1979 Jeep Cherokee Gets Viper V10 Because Hellcat Swaps Are Boring
Vigilante 4x4 builds the world's fastest vintage Jeep, hiding a Dodge Viper V10 engine beneath its classic exterior.
Classic Jeep Meets Modern Power
Vigilante 4x4, a Texas-based custom builder, has breathed new life into a 1979 Jeep Cherokee S by fitting it with an 825-horsepower Dodge Viper V10 engine. Known for its bold Jeep restorations, Vigilante has raised the bar with this project, transforming a once modest vehicle into a high-powered, one-of-a-kind machine. According to Vigilante's co-founder Daniel van Doveren, "This 1979 Cherokee S with a Viper V10 is the result of countless hours of design, engineering, fabrication, and paint. It’s a true labor of love."
Thousands of Hours in the Making
The transformation of this Cherokee wasn’t a rushed job; it took thousands of hours of meticulous restoration. Starting with a single-color 1979 model, the body was stripped to bare metal, checked with a 3D scan, and repainted in a fresh Frosted Glass Blue and Stratus White two-tone finish. Vigilante kept the exterior true to its roots by retaining all original body panels, avoiding the use of reproduction parts.
Climbing Inside
Inside, the Jeep's retro vibe was preserved with Levi’s denim upholstery and Moore & Giles fine leather, coupled with modern upgrades like Bluetooth stereo and soundproofing to offer comfort without compromising on the vehicle’s classic charm.
The Heart of the Beast: Viper V10
At the heart of this Jeep lies a 9.0-liter Viper V10 engine, sourced from the Gen V Prefix series. The engine boasts a staggering 825 horsepower, capable of delivering 750 lb-ft of torque at up to 6,400 rpm. This power is controlled by a six-speed manual gearbox and transferred to all four wheels through an Atlas-II transfer case.
Putting the Power Down
With Dana 44 and Dana 60 axles from Currie Enterprises, the Jeep is more than capable of handling the monstrous output without tearing itself apart. Vigilante’s performance additions include a four-link suspension system featuring Eibach coils and Fox Racing shocks, ensuring that despite its power, the Cherokee remains both stable and agile.
Performance Meets Aesthetics
While performance was at the forefront of this build, aesthetics were not sacrificed. The two-tone paint job, tribal stripe, and original body panels ensure that the vehicle still looks like a classic from the outside. But the upgrades don’t stop at the engine or exterior paint. Inside, the craftsmanship shines with restored seating that combines the nostalgic Levi’s fabric with modern leather. Vigilante even went the extra mile to keep the interior’s 1970s feel intact by hiding the modern climate controls and stereo system behind original-looking components.
Custom Builds, Custom Pricing
Though this particular Viper-powered Jeep has already been sold, Vigilante offers custom restomod services starting at $295,000, with optional upgrades like the Viper V10 potentially driving the price even higher. With no other company producing quite this blend of vintage Jeep aesthetics and cutting-edge performance, Vigilante's creations stand alone as masterpieces of modern engineering and classic design.