A few questions following my first 08 test drive

[CarGo]

Today I was fortunate enough to test drive an 08 vert via a courteous local broker. Of course it wasn't enough seat time to really get to know the car so I'd like to ask a few questions to gen4 owners regarding my observations on this particular car, which had 9700 miles on the odometer:

1. The revs would fluctuate occasionally during idle, meaning it would seem to occasionally go up noticeably and then back down to normal idle while sitting at a light. is this normal?
2. When I got the chance run it up in 2nd gear to maybe 5k and shifted, the revs didn't go down immediately when I pushed in the clutch, it took what seemed like a second or more to go back down. Didn't do this the second time as much. Is this a function of the "drive by wire" I've read about here?
3. the clutch engagement was at the top of the pedal, is this normal?
4. It seemed pretty subdued below 3k rpm compared to my Z06, is this typical?

I really want one of these beauties, might consider this car if the price was right but don't want to end up with a defecto car.
TIA for your responses to a wanna be owner

 

[gofastr]

I'd suggest you take it to a Viper specialist and have it checked out BEFORE you buy it.

 

[wes]

Today I was fortunate enough to test drive an 08 vert via a courteous local broker. Of course it wasn't enough seat time to really get to know the car so I'd like to ask a few questions to gen4 owners regarding my observations on this particular car, which had 9700 miles on the odometer:

1. The revs would fluctuate occasionally during idle, meaning it would seem to occasionally go up noticeably and then back down to normal idle while sitting at a light. is this normal?
2. When I got the chance run it up in 2nd gear to maybe 5k and shifted, the revs didn't go down immediately when I pushed in the clutch, it took what seemed like a second or more to go back down. Didn't do this the second time as much. Is this a function of the "drive by wire" I've read about here?
3. the clutch engagement was at the top of the pedal, is this normal?
4. It seemed pretty subdued below 3k rpm compared to my Z06, is this typical?

I really want one of these beauties, might consider this car if the price was right but don't want to end up with a defecto car.
TIA for your responses to a wanna be owner

The revs almost sound like a TPS sensor issue. My truck had the exact same problem, like he said above I would get it checked out just incase.

 

[ulllose]

I pretty sure your zo6 has the drive by wire also. The rev's on decel sounds nomal, they seem to slowly fall down when you blimp the go pedal. Probably alot different than your Z

 

[Hamrhead]

4. It seemed pretty subdued below 3k rpm compared to my Z06, is this typical?

I don't have a ZO6, but I did have an '06 Viper, and the '08 is definitely 'softer' below 3K rpm than the '06 was. Though shortly thereafter things change rapidly.

The Gen4's run very strong from ~3,800rpm to redline.

 

[john2456]

Cargo, I just bought a 2003 Viper with 17,000 miles and has none of your issues. Something is wrong with your idle. It could be a sensor or throttle issue but definitely a problem. My engine responds immediately to pedal. Idle at 600-800 rpm then spools up as I jump on it. Accelerates very fast and is not docile at all. Have it looked at by a certified Viper tech. I have one in my town and he is spectacular at diagnosing issues like yours. John

 

[goldcup]

Just got my 08 I have the same throttle issues welcome to drive by wire,prefer my gen II throttle.
Haven't noticed the clutch issue.

 

[shooter_t1]

Cargo, I just bought a 2003 Viper with 17,000 miles and has none of your issues. Something is wrong with your idle. It could be a sensor or throttle issue but definitely a problem. My engine responds immediately to pedal. Idle at 600-800 rpm then spools up as I jump on it. Accelerates very fast and is not docile at all. Have it looked at by a certified Viper tech. I have one in my town and he is spectacular at diagnosing issues like yours. John

Your car is a Gen 3...NO drive by wire throttle, big difference between the 2.

 

[NHL2133]

EDIT: shooter said the same thing I did.

 

[SilveRT8]

Mine is also an 08 Vert so here goes :
1 : Mine has started to do the same thing with idle going up and down when resting at a stop but I suspect a vacuum leak or bad TPS sensor. It does not affect the way the car drives but I will have mine checked soon. It did not do it when new.
2 : never did that
3 : My clutch engages mid way, have yours checked
4 : Yes this is normal, it has a tall 3.07 rear gear and drives a bit soft under 3k wich I like for normal street driving but it flat screams above that wich is where this engine really comes alive.