Serpent 977 Viper User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
& REFERENCE GUIDE

INSTRUCTIONS
Serpent’s long tradition of excellence extends to their instruction manuals, and this instruction
manual is no exception. The easy-to-follow layout is richly illustrated with 3D-rendered
fullcolor images to make your building experience quick and easy. Following the instructions
will result in a well-built, high-performance racecar that will soon be able to unleash its full
potential at the racetrack.
This instruction manual has been divided into sections that will logically lead you through
the assembly process of your Serpent car. Follow the assembly steps in the order presented
to ensure that no issues occur during assembly. Each step indicates all the fasteners and
small parts used. Bag numbers identify the kit bag(s) that contains the appropriate parts.
Before going to each next step of building make sure all assembled pivot-joints and rotating
parts are moving freely without too much slob. Premature damage or unusual handling
may occur when pivoting parts and assemblies can’t move freely.
INTRODUCTION
The Serpent 977 Viper is the next evolution of Serpent’s hugely-successful 1/8 scale onroad
lineage, combining ultimate performance into a single package. The Serpent 977 was
designed to be a world champion, while still being easy to use, assemble, and set up.
You are now part of the worldwide network of Serpent drivers, which gives you superior
technical support and access to many benefits that only Serpent drivers can enjoy.
The Serpent 977 offers many of the same specifications and features that made
the previous Serpent 1/8 scale cars into top-competition racecars. Continuously pushing
the performance envelope, Serpent’s engineers have added many new and innovative
features that can help take your Serpent 977 into the winner’s circle. The feedback of
drivers and the test and race results of the past season assisted to create this Serpent 977
VIPER 1/8 scale onroad racing taken to the next level.
Enjoy the build, set-up and racing!
Team Serpent
SERPENT.COM
The printed instruction manual included with your Serpent 977 kit is very complete,
though due to continuous product development, more up-to-date information may be
provided at our Serpent.com website. All information about the Serpent 977 is accessible
from the Serpent 977 product page which can be found on Serpent.com and can be
accessed by simply typing serpent.com/903012 into your web browsers address bar
or scan the RFQ-code on the back of this manual.
From the Serpent 977 product page you will find the very latest information about your
Serpent 977: reports by team drivers and other experts, tips and tricks, setups, image
gallery and downloadable files including the latest version of the instruction manual,
(editable) set-up sheets and more will be made available as downloadable PDFfiles.
CONTENTS
Introduction 2
How to use the manual/read this first 3
Assembly manual 4
Exploded views 35
Parts list 44
2

Length after assembly
Each step contains a variety of numbers, lines, and symbols. The numbers represent the
order in which the parts should be assembled. The lines and symbols are described below.
Assembly path of one item into another
Group of items (within lines) should be assembled
first
Direction the item should be moved
Glue one item to another
Press/Insert one item into another
Connect one item to another
Gap between two items
Step number; the order in which you should
assemble the indicated parts
USING THE MANUAL
1
3
Read this first!
- This is a highly technical hobby product, intended to be used in a safe racing environment.
This car is capable of speeds in excess of 100 km/h or 60mph. Please follow these
guidelines when building and operating this model.
- Parental guidance is required when the builder/user of this car is under 16.
- Follow the building instructions. If in doubt, contact your dealer or importer.
- Be sure to use the proper tools when assembling the car. Always exercise caution when
using electric tools, knives and other sharp objects.
- Be careful when using liquids like lubrication oil, fuel or glue. Do not swallow.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instruction in case you experience irritation after using the
product.
- Be careful when operating the car. Stay away from any rotating parts such as wheels,
gears and transmission. Stay away from motor, engine and exhaust pipe system or speedo
during and immediately after use, as these parts may be very hot. We advise to use
protective hand cloves.
- Only operate this car in a safe environment, like a special racing track or a closed parking
lot. Avoid using this car on public roads, crowded places or near infants.
- Before operating this car, always check the mechanical status of the car. Also check that
the transmitter and receiver frequencies correspond and are not used by any other racer
at the same time. Check that the batteries of the transmitter and receiver- are fully
charged.
- After use, always check all the mechanics of the car. We advise to clean the car
immediately after use, and inspect the parts for wear or fractures. Replace when
necessary. Do not use water, methanol, thinner or other solvents to clean the car.
- Empty the fuel tank (depending on model) if needed and disconnect the receiver battery.
- Store the car in a dry and heated place to avoid corrosion of metal parts.
- Avoid using this car in wet conditions as the water will cause corrosion on the metal parts
and bearings and these parts will cease to function properly. If driven in the wet, ensure
that all the electric equipment is waterproofed and after use, that all moving parts are
dried immediately.
CA glue (CA),
One-way Lube (OW),
silicon oil. (Items not included.)
Apply graphite grease (GR),
threadlock (TL),

2.5x22
1
2
3
M3x10
M3x16
M3x12
1
2
3
STEP
4
Bag
1
STEP
1
STEP
2
STEP
3
6x10 Flanged
6x10 Flanged
M4x10
M3x10
M3x10
4

12x18
12x18
STEP
5
5
STEP
6
M3x20
M3x6
NOTE:
Assemble M3x20 screws to align the camber bracket.
Remove them again after M3x6 are mounted,
so you can proceed with step 7
M3x20
M3x6
Please use central slot
of excenter as starting point
STEP
7

Bag
2
M3x14
Please see default set up sheet
M3x8
4x10
M3x6
M3x8
STEP
8
STEP
9
6
M3x15
M4x10
STEP
8
STEP
8
STEP
10

7
12x15x0.25
12x18
12x18
STEP
11
M3x4
3x22
1
2
3
4
5
STEP
12
STEP
13
3.0MM
4.4MM

M3x20
M3x8
7MM
STEP
14
STEP
15
STEP
17
8
Bag
3
STEP
16
10MM

5x8
M3x3
M3x3
1
2
3
4
STEP
18
STEP
19
9

M4x10
M3x8
M5x6
8x14
8x14 1
2
3
STEP
20
STEP
21
10

M3x6
8x14
5x5
M3x12
M3x12
M3x5
STEP
22
STEP
23 STEP
24
11
SHIFT POINT
SCREW
SHIFT POINT
SCREW
screw in all the way,
then unscrew 3 turns
screw in all the way,
then unscrew 3 turns
M4x4
8x10x1
R9
R6
STEP
25
Turn in all the way
then unscrew 3 turns
3x14

M2.5x8
Bag
4
M4x10
M4x10
STEP
26
12
M3x12
12x18
12x18
1
2
STEP
27
STEP
28
Please note orientation of excenter
M3x12

13
R6
8x12
M4x10
M3x6
M3x8
M3x6
Nylock
nut M3
8x12
R6
Please note orientation of insert
STEP
29
STEP
30
STEP
31 STEP 32

M3x10
M4x10
M3x8
M3x10
M3x10
14
7.5MM
M4x10
6x10
6x10
STEP
33
STEP
34
STEP
35
Bag
5

15
M3x8
M3x6
STEP
36
6MM
M5x10
M4x12
M4x12
28mm
STEP
37
M4x14
M4x14
4x9x1
4x9x1 4x9x1
STEP
38

Bag
6
M4x4
Neutral position
STEP
39
STEP
40
16
M3x12
Nylock
nut M3
3x7x0.5
Leading position when
mounted at LEFT hand side
Leading position when
mounted at RIGHT hand side
Trailing position when
mounted at LEFT hand side
Trailing position when
mounted at RIGHT hand side
OPTIONAL
OPTIONAL

2.5x12
12x18
12x15x0.25
4 pcs
12x15x0.25
12x18x0.3
LEFT
RIGHT
12x18
M3x4
3x20
M3x8
M3x8
M3x6
M3x6
1
1
2
3
4
STEP
41
STEP
42
17

45.5MM
STEP
43
STEP
44
STEP
45
18
See default
set up for
dimensions

5x8
M3x3
M3x3
M3x3
1
2
3
STEP
46
STEP
47
19

Bag
7
M3x12 Flanged
TIP: TOP VIEW
M3x12 Flanged
OPTIONAL:
NOT INCLUDED
1
1
STEP
48
STEP
49
20