The V-10 engine that is used in the Dodge Viper (and the V-10 truck block used in Rams) owes it’s existence to the LA 360ci small-block. While saying that the V-10 is a 360 with two more cylinders undercuts what Chrysler and Lamborghini (then, owned by Chrysler) did to make the engine work, effectively that does explain a lot of the V-10 engine, with a lot of the LA architecture still in place in the new mill. But what 488 cubic inches can do when properly worked over is unreal…even the first-gen RT/10 roadsters were potent for the time and would scare drivers properly, but when in the hands of engineers and a daredevil who drives just to drive…well, that’s what you get below.

Sal Petal’s Dodge Viper has been around the block for a bit, both as a drag racer and more recently, at events with a longer run. Other than changing the rear gears, the setup is the same, there’s interior bits among the safety equipment, and there’s a Powerglide-style two-speed automatic running the show between engine and tire. And whatever wizardry he sold his soul for to make this car move was worth every bit of the deal, because it just flat works. This Viper can outrun planes…hell, maybe even a jet or two…in half a mile. At 150 miles an hour, aerodynamics change over from being an issue of speed for a ground vehicle and become an issue of flight if not worked properly…pushing 250 mph, and things start to get radical!

Anybody think they can talk him into a one-mile run?