This work studies the interaction of the DSMC vibrational relaxation models and dissociation of molecular nitrogen at moderate Mach numbers where such processes are important. The V-T transition models assessed include the discrete Larson-Borgnakke model and Forced Harmonic Oscillator (FHO). The total collision energy (TCE) and QCT models for the N 2 dissociation reaction were considered and the dissociation from different N 2 vibrational excited states was included in the simulations. It was found the vibrational temperature is higher with the FHO model compared to the LB approach since the FHO model has the higher effective vibrational relaxation rates. Furthermore the use of the QCT rates compared to the usual, TCE model gave a substantially higher degree of dissociation and smaller shock width.