engine

Throttle Body

for 2002 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10 · RWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.2 h

Tools

Steps

✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.

Remove and replace the throttle body assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10, including disconnection of air intake system, throttle cable, and electrical connections.

Warnings

⚠Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Throttle body and intake manifold retain significant heat after operation.

ℹ️The throttle body on the first-generation Viper is located centrally on top of the intake manifold between cylinder banks, requiring reach over the engine.

⚠Do not force throttle plate open or closed manually when throttle body is removed. Damage to the throttle shaft or plate can occur.

Tools required

Socket set (metric)Essential

Ratchet and extensionsEssential

Flathead screwdriverEssential

Phillips screwdriver

Needle-nose pliers

Torque wrenchEssential

Shop towels

Parts tray

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Parts

Throttle body gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
Throttle body assembly (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from battery terminal
Place shop towels around work area to catch any residual fuel or debris
Open hood and secure in raised position

Procedure

1
Remove air intake tube
Loosen the hose clamps at both ends of the air intake tube connecting the air filter housing to the throttle body. Use a flathead screwdriver or socket (depending on clamp type) to loosen clamps. Slide clamps away from connection points and carefully remove the intake tube. Set aside.
2
Disconnect throttle cable
Locate the throttle cable connected to the throttle lever on the side of the throttle body. Rotate the throttle lever slightly to create slack in the cable. Disconnect the cable end from the throttle lever ball stud by sliding it out of the slot. Release the cable housing from the bracket by compressing the retaining tabs and pulling the housing free.
3
Disconnect cruise control cable (if equipped)
If equipped with cruise control, disconnect the cruise control cable from the throttle body using the same method as the throttle cable. Create slack by rotating the lever, then disconnect the cable end and release the housing from its bracket.
4
Disconnect electrical connectors
Locate the throttle position sensor (TPS) connector and the idle air control / automatic idle speed (AIS) motor connector on the throttle body, if equipped. Verify actual connector locations against factory service documentation for the 1992 Viper. Press the locking tabs on each connector and carefully pull straight away from the throttle body to disconnect. Do not pull on wires. Note connector orientation for reassembly.
5
Disconnect vacuum lines
Identify vacuum lines connected to the throttle body. Vacuum line connections on this throttle body must be verified against factory documentation; note the routing and connection points of each line present before removal. Note the routing and connection points. Use needle-nose pliers if necessary to release hose clamps, then carefully twist and pull vacuum lines off the throttle body nipples.
6
Remove throttle body mounting bolts
Locate the throttle body mounting bolts securing the throttle body to the intake manifold plenum (verify exact count against factory documentation). Remove all bolts using the appropriate socket and ratchet. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.
7
Remove throttle body
Carefully lift the throttle body assembly straight up and away from the intake manifold. The gasket may stick to either the throttle body or manifold surface. Remove and discard the old gasket completely. Use a shop towel to cover the intake manifold opening to prevent debris from entering.
⚠Do not allow any debris, bolts, or foreign material to fall into the open intake manifold. This will cause severe engine damage.
8
Clean mating surfaces
Remove the shop towel from the intake manifold opening. Thoroughly clean both the throttle body mounting flange (if reusing) and the intake manifold mating surface. Remove all traces of old gasket material using a plastic scraper or shop towel. Do not use metal scrapers that could gouge the aluminum surfaces. Wipe surfaces clean and dry.
9
Install new gasket and position throttle body
Place the new throttle body gasket onto the intake manifold plenum, aligning the bolt holes. Position the throttle body (new or cleaned original) onto the gasket, ensuring proper alignment of all bolt holes. The throttle body should sit flat against the gasket without gaps.
10
Install and torque mounting bolts
Thread all 4 throttle body mounting bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once all bolts are started, tighten in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even seating. Torque all bolts to the factory-specified value using a torque wrench in the same criss-cross pattern (verify exact torque spec and bolt count against factory documentation).
Torque spec
Throttle Body Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11
Reconnect vacuum lines
Reconnect the vacuum lines to their original positions on the throttle body. Push each line firmly onto its nipple until fully seated. Reinstall any hose clamps if used.
12
Reconnect electrical connectors
Reconnect the TPS and IAC valve electrical connectors to the throttle body. Press each connector firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Verify secure connection by gently tugging on each connector.
13
Reconnect throttle and cruise control cables
Install the throttle cable housing into its bracket until the retaining tabs click into place. Connect the cable end to the throttle lever ball stud by rotating the lever to create slack and sliding the cable end into the slot. Repeat for cruise control cable if equipped. Verify smooth throttle lever operation through full range of motion.
14
Install air intake tube
Position the air intake tube between the air filter housing and throttle body. Slide both hose clamps into position over the connection points. Tighten clamps securely to prevent air leaks, but do not overtighten and damage the rubber connections.
Torque spec
Air Intake Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
15
Reconnect battery and perform idle relearn
Reconnect the negative battery cable. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and allow it to idle. The idle may be irregular for the first few minutes as the engine controller relearns idle parameters. Do not touch the throttle during this period. Verify the correct idle relearn procedure against factory documentation for the 1992 Viper. Do not touch the throttle during this period.

Reassembly

Torque all fasteners to specified values using the criss-cross pattern for even loading
Ensure all vacuum lines and electrical connectors are firmly seated and secured
Verify throttle cable operation is smooth with no binding through full pedal travel before starting engine

Verification

With engine running, verify idle speed is smooth and stable (should stabilize within 2-3 minutes of initial start)
Check for vacuum leaks around throttle body gasket by listening for hissing sounds
Verify no air leaks at intake tube connections
Test throttle response by gently pressing accelerator pedal - response should be immediate and smooth
Check that cruise control functions properly if equipped
Verify no check engine light or diagnostic trouble codes are present after test drive