Anyone ever give any thought to owning a Viper?

[Iyzmi]

Originally Posted by Craigy

Sure, a terrible part of the experience

lol, I've never seen anybody have that strong of an opinion against manual cars on an automotive enthusiast forum. Whatever floats your boat man!

[Billj747]

Originally Posted by Craigy

Which is one reason that Lamborghinis were still so cheesy around that time.

Hate to say it, but Audi saved the day, dramatically improved the cars and kept Lamborghini alive.

Totally agree with you. My comment was in response to M3Bimmer77's comment:

"One last thing, F1 is the top notch of all racing cars and it's from where we have gotten all this technology and performance in our production cars. How many of those are BMW, MB, Ferrari, Lamborghini,....and how many of those are Dodge?"

But Lamborghini was experienced with making 400hp aluminum V12s and Dodge couldn't have made the Viper's V10 without them.

[Craigy]

Originally Posted by Iyzmi

lol, I've never seen anybody have that strong of an opinion against manual cars on an automotive enthusiast forum. Whatever floats your boat man!

Yeah don't want to turn this into a manual/auto thread.

From the moment I drove my first paddle shift car (Ferrari's F1), I've been hooked. And now I think the crisp, perfect getrag dual clutch in these cars really has spoiled me. Absolutely hate automatics, and a less than optimal dual clutch irritates me as well.

Used to drive sticks everyday for years. Even then I suppose I never got good enough at it... I think for a mini cooper, etc. a manual is still fun for me, but cars like the Viper etc are just so fast that I find it distracting. For six figures Viper should arrive with carbon ceramics and a dual clutch option.

IMO it's a novelty but not for me. Again just how I feel, not a universal truth

[Craigy]

Originally Posted by Billj747

Totally agree with you. My comment was in response to M3Bimmer77's comment:

"One last thing, F1 is the top notch of all racing cars and it's from where we have gotten all this technology and performance in our production cars. How many of those are BMW, MB, Ferrari, Lamborghini,....and how many of those are Dodge?"

But Lamborghini was experienced with making 400hp aluminum V12s and Dodge couldn't have made the Viper's V10 without them.

I was just adding an unrelated .02

Yeah I definitely agree. Well, it could have been done, but just not nearly as well was it was done, and the production Viper probably would never have come to fruition.

[Disturbed]

The Viper is awesome. Had them for 13 years. The new ZO7 Doesn't stand a chance vs a Viper TA at the track. When it comes to a roll race...Viper all day. Guys are getting over 600rwhp with just a couple bolt-ons.

I have been critical of the "New" 2013+ viper for only having 640hp. I felt they should have done more. From a performance standpoint it's really not any faster than the Gen4 (2008-2010). However...the interior is world class bar none, ESP in GTS Trim with the CF and Laguna options. The paint on the INHOP is the best in the business. You will not find a spec of orange peel.

For the price of a slightly used nothing else is compairable. Lots of people compair the the Vette and viper but the Viper shouldn't be compaired. It's a hand built exotic much like a Ferrari, Lambo or Bently. A Vette can't touch the viper in terms of build quality. Viper = Exotic...Vette = sports car. Is a Aston Martin any less because of its lack of performance to a Vette...no.

Also the driving experience is vastly superior to the Vette, The viper has that feel. From the moment you sit in the car and that engine fires up you know you are in the presents of greatness. The Vette doesn't move the emotion scale. That's the difference between an exotic and a sports car.

[Billj747]

Originally Posted by Craigy

I was just adding an unrelated .02

Yeah I definitely agree. Well, it could have been done, but just not nearly as well was it was done, and the production Viper probably would never have come to fruition.

Did you read my first article on the history of the car?

http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticl...d-History.aspx
Project Viper GTS - Part 1 History & Intro.


Dodge didn't have the budget or ability to design and learn how to make such a large Aluminum V10, so the Viper would have been a turd with (literally) a cast-iron truck V10, or would have been another sports car but with a bland V8.

Originally Posted by Disturbed

For the price of a slightly used nothing else is compairable. Lots of people compair the the Vette and viper but the Viper shouldn't be compaired. It's a hand built exotic much like a Ferrari, Lambo or Bently. A Vette can't touch the viper in terms of build quality. Viper = Exotic...Vette = sports car. Is a Aston Martin any less because of its lack of performance to a Vette...no.

Also the driving experience is vastly superior to the Vette, The viper has that feel. From the moment you sit in the car and that engine fires up you know you are in the presents of greatness. The Vette doesn't move the emotion scale. That's the difference between an exotic and a sports car.

FWIW, the pre-Audi Lamborghinis and Pre (late 90s) 2000's Ferraris have pretty shotty build quality and 'hand-built' for the these cars including the viper isn't really anything to be proud of. Not that the Vette is a well-built car either, but i'm not sure either are greatly better in terms of build quality over the other. Now the 5th Gen is a different story.

[Iyzmi]

Originally Posted by Craigy

Yeah don't want to turn this into a manual/auto thread.

From the moment I drove my first paddle shift car (Ferrari's F1), I've been hooked. And now I think the crisp, perfect getrag dual clutch in these cars really has spoiled me. Absolutely hate automatics, and a less than optimal dual clutch irritates me as well.

Used to drive sticks everyday for years. Even then I suppose I never got good enough at it... I think for a mini cooper, etc. a manual is still fun for me, but cars like the Viper etc are just so fast that I find it distracting. For six figures Viper should arrive with carbon ceramics and a dual clutch option.

IMO it's a novelty but not for me. Again just how I feel, not a universal truth

I completely understand your point. I was just surprised at the use of the word "terrible" on an auto enthusiast forum in regards to the experience one has while driving a manual car. Obviously some people don't prefer it, which is fine, but I've never seen an enthusiast argue that shifting gears manually is a terrible part of the driving experience. Less than ideal in terms of shift speed and track times? Sure. Harder to master and utilize every last drop of performance a car has to offer? Sure. But "terrible" implies it just about ruins the experience altogether. I don't think I'd have a terrible time driving a 6spd Viper or any car for that matter. And I am far from a professional driver who is able to drive a manual car 100% perfectly to extract 100% of its potential. It's just a matter of fun and interacting with the vehicle in another way.

[Disturbed]

Originally Posted by elitex

Do it! I went from an E92 M3 to Cayman S to Viper. Amazing car, wicked fast, and crazy raw experience I was looking for.

Agree. 100%. I had vipers for 13 years and I'm currently itching to buy another. I just rented a LP570 for the weekend and I like the Viper MUCH better. Better interior in the Gen5, faster, more raw and that big V10 kicks the crap out of that high reveling 5.2L. Sound is good with the new viper but not as good as the LP.

For the money a viper is hand build and the paint is the best in the industry. I though I was done with the Viper. But I'm think a 2014 orange TA is in my near future.

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by M3Bimmer77

Ok,guys...if your goal is to be the fastest on the track get the fastest car no matter what it looks like. If your bottom line is to win the race no matter if the car is black, blue or pink, squared or rounded, get whatever takes you there as long as its fast, nothing else matters. I'm with you in that one. On the other hand if you want a fast car, good handling, comfortable, good performance and perfect design inside and out we need to talk about cars like the M3. And guys how in the world are you comparing a BMW M3 with a Dodge Viper!!!! Really?! German and Italian machines are over anything this days and will be for several years to come. If Vipers and Camaros are all over you then you don't deserve even taking a look or driving an M3s. Sorry guys not a Viper or Camaro fan!!!!

You may have had an argument with the previous generation of Vipers. Not so with this one. It is a world class car. The interior leaves nothing to be desired..it is clean, well thought out with high grade materials. The performance and handling are in top echelon of all cars. Quite honestly, the only thing controversial here is the design. It is a little over-the-top IMO, but I would certainly take one over the ugly-as-sin GTR.

[elitex]

Originally Posted by Disturbed

Agree. 100%. I had vipers for 13 years and I'm currently itching to buy another. I just rented a LP570 for the weekend and I like the Viper MUCH better. Better interior in the Gen5, faster, more raw and that big V10 kicks the crap out of that high reveling 5.2L. Sound is good with the new viper but not as good as the LP.

For the money a viper is hand build and the paint is the best in the industry. I though I was done with the Viper. But I'm think a 2014 orange TA is in my near future.

Go for it. You already know what Viper is all about. I've never had this much fun with any car, ever! Like I said before, it may not have interior that's on par with best of the germans but it's still very good. Engine sound is actually pretty good once you go past 3k rpms.

I am thinking about buying american racing catted headers and arrow PCM. I heard that this combo is amazing. I also thought about going with the TA 2.0 but I think i'll just hold onto mine for now.

[Billj747]

CTS-V, Z28, Viper TA, GT350, we are making some pretty impressive vehicles these days...

[Disturbed]

Originally Posted by elitex

Go for it. You already know what Viper is all about. I've never had this much fun with any car, ever! Like I said before, it may not have interior that's on par with best of the germans but it's still very good. Engine sound is actually pretty good once you go past 3k rpms.

I am thinking about buying american racing catted headers and arrow PCM. I heard that this combo is amazing. I also thought about going with the TA 2.0 but I think i'll just hold onto mine for now.

Agree, it's no Rolls inside, but it's not GM either. I'd say it's better than the E92 but not as good as a S-Class so on just a bit better than LP560 Gallardo but not a Aventador.

I'm waiting to see how the 4.2L SC system is going to work out. A blower that size is good for 1200rwhp on 93 pump. That...would...be....SICK. That much instant TQ with the wine of a blower...I'm going to feel sorry for the MT ET Streets. Also rumor has it they are working on a transmission solution for some type of DCT or Auto. The DCT in my M3 has made me want to give up the old 6sp. But...I will admit, I miss banging gears in the 6sp....at least until I get stuck in traffic.


For anyone looking at a Viper this seems like a good one. It's a "Base" SRT with trackpac for $78k If you want a loan you can get financing for 144mo @ 5.5% with 20% down. Payments would be in the $625 range.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...94322561&Log=0

[Disturbed]

Originally Posted by Billj747

CTS-V, Z28, Viper TA, GT350, we are making some pretty impressive vehicles these days...

Don't forget the Hellcat! The American cars are just so good right now.

[TrevorM3]

hmmm, a white viper..

[Billj747]

Anyone see the crazy $118K Gen 5 ACR?

Anyway, here's:


Project Viper GTS: Part 4 – Baseline Dyno and K&N Intake Test


"The Viper is truly a car built around its engine. In Part 4, we take Project Viper GTS to the dyno for a baseline power audit and see if our mighty 8.0L V10 is cranking out the factory claimed 450hp and 490lb-ft of torque. From there we add K&N replacement air filters and change out the disruptive corrugated plastic intake tubing for a set of ROE Racing polished aluminum smooth intake tubes to see if we can squeeze out a few more ponies."


Project Viper GTS: Part 4 ? Baseline Dyno and K&N Intake Test






Enjoy!

[w0ady]

Excited to see what the new ACR does! I have quite a few buddies very active in the Viper community so it's definitely opened my eyes to what those cars can do on track with a quality driver. The Gen V's have also taken a huge step forward with the interiors just like the newer Vette's have been doing.

[SYT_Shadow]

I saw the new ACR and drooled. I so want one as the next track car. Cup car performance at base GT3 price, spectacular

Unfortunately I never see Vipers at track days except a few weeks ago when I went to Mid Ohio. Holy moly there were four Vipers there! Including Luke McGrew which was the fastest car that weekend, smoking everyone easily

[Billj747]

Hey Guys, here's the next installement:


Project Viper GTS: Part 5 – Radiator Fan & Wiring Upgrade


"The Viper is a “racecar for the street” in more ways than one; and like a racecar, it does not like to sit in stop and go traffic and can run hot and overheat without proper airflow on a hot summer day. To combat this we upgraded the radiator fan on our 1997 Viper GTS with the higher flowing, larger fan from the 1998-2002 cars. In addition, we safeguarded the potentially flawed wiring and relay box by running standalone relays with dedicated power and ground wires. To further extend the life of the relays we used a trick pair of “NOsparc®” spark suppressors in the harness."


In the article:

- Fan removal & installation
- 1996-1997 vs. 1998-2002 Fan analysis
- Stock & modified fan wiring schematics
- How to wire a standalone power, ground, and relays
- How to make a MIL-spec wiring harness
- NOsparc arc suppressors - to eliminate arcing and increase longevity of relay contacts.


http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticl...g-Upgrade.aspx






Enjoy!

[BRBM]

Originally Posted by MTrezzz

I know this might sound crazy & against the tradition of Viper's but i'd take one in a heart beat if it came in a DCT or a dual clutch system instead of the 6 speed. Even though i drive a 6 speed M3 LRP now, i still assume the viper's clutch is as hard as a rock and not as giving as the M3 E92 clutch system where it was designed in mind for daily usability. Sorry but i don't want a WRX 11" clutch system where you need two feet to engage the clutch.. lol not literally, but that's how hard it is to press on the clutch in a WRX 11" - end of the day i have to drive one and see.

Does not sound crazy and damn their pig-headed tradition..........regular 'Vette's do just fine with their tradition of offering a 2 or 3 pedal choice. A very sane business practice, so I'm with you MTrezzz, as well as other posters wondering the same about a DCT. (Or some alternative!)

In fact, witness the latest Z06; they finally broke down & offered something other than a manual. I wonder why. Have something to do with making money? Satisfying customers, maybe, who are willing to pay extra? What a concept.

Which goes to the larger point.

Why do you 'Dodge' SRT folks - talking to you Boss Man Ralph Gilles - think your product is soooo hard-core / uppity that you can't cater to the consumer? Is that why prices have been slashed so much? Can't keep 'em on the dealer lots, can you?

Makes no frickin sense to me.

Anyway, we still love your crude-ass Vipers....even that burnin' hot tranny tunnel.....might even have the cash.....but do you care? No. So, I'll take a black on black Z06. Or a Stingray with Z51 package and magnetic shocks. Hmm. Possibly an SLS AMG? Yeah, baby.

Who needs your stinkin' Viper?? Breaks my heart.

[RussianPete]

funny story about the new vipers...

my neighbor had bought the new viper and every day i drove past his house saying damn thats an amazing car, and then i noticed the car wasnt there anymore after sometime.

i asked him about it...wrapped around a tree

[elitex]

Originally Posted by ptrubetskoy

funny story about the new vipers...

my neighbor had bought the new viper and every day i drove past his house saying damn thats an amazing car, and then i noticed the car wasnt there anymore after sometime.

i asked him about it...wrapped around a tree

LOL. It's not the car it's the drivers.

I sold mine after 6 months. Great fun car. I actually miss it. I am thinking about maybe going for an ACR. Or an M6, or a 911, maybe an AMG GTS.... Decisions decisions.

[elitex]

Originally Posted by BRBM

Does not sound crazy and damn their pig-headed tradition..........regular 'Vette's do just fine with their tradition of offering a 2 or 3 pedal choice. A very sane business practice, so I'm with you MTrezzz, as well as other posters wondering the same about a DCT. (Or some alternative!)

In fact, witness the latest Z06; they finally broke down & offered something other than a manual. I wonder why. Have something to do with making money? Satisfying customers, maybe, who are willing to pay extra? What a concept.

Which goes to the larger point.

Why do you 'Dodge' SRT folks - talking to you Boss Man Ralph Gilles - think your product is soooo hard-core / uppity that you can't cater to the consumer? Is that why prices have been slashed so much? Can't keep 'em on the dealer lots, can you?

Makes no frickin sense to me.

Anyway, we still love your crude-ass Vipers....even that burnin' hot tranny tunnel.....might even have the cash.....but do you care? No. So, I'll take a black on black Z06. Or a Stingray with Z51 package and magnetic shocks. Hmm. Possibly an SLS AMG? Yeah, baby.

Who needs your stinkin' Viper?? Breaks my heart.

Agree with most of what you said except hot tranny tunnel. My Mazda RX8 used to get hotter around the console area than my Viper ever did. My Viper went on few mountain runs, my RX8 never did. I think they did a great job with heat.