close calls

[steel snake]

OK boys and girls, I'm picking up my first Viper this weekend, I'm a newbie. I want to hear all the "Oh Sh-t" stories about the first time your Snake bit you.

 

[Bill B]

No OS story here. Just drive smart, learn the car.

 

[BigCarrot]

This one time at band camp....

 

[JWVIPER]

There are many links and many stories of folks loosing the rear on these beasts as the torque will get you. Take it easy and never shift 1-2 2-3 without the wheels straight. Good Luck and enjoy the best ride in town.

 

[ROCKET62]

What JW said: Make sure the wheels are straight when you get on the gas and shift. Good Luck!

 

[V 10 MAFIA]

Be smooth with the shifts. Eliminate distractions: talking on cell phone, playing with radio, playing with girlfriend, and looking for money when approaching tolls. The second you are not in tune with this car and get careless, Sneaky Pete sneaks up to bite you in the ass. Oh yeah, listen to what JW said.

 

[plumcrazy]

its NOT hard to drive them if ya use yer head.

if you're not sure what gear you are going to go into.....push the clutch back in and try again later....thats my best advise.

 

[Got_Vnum]

Dont go to the drive thru. Park it in view and walk in. A Whopper ended up costing me $831 when I had a close encounter of the curb kind. DOH!

Second on everything everyone else said. Be smart.

 

[steel snake]

Wheels ST8, no drive thrus, drive smart. Got it. I'll keep you posted. AT

 

[CitySnake]

Cold weather makes your Viper THAT much more "interesting" to drive. 40 degree change in road surface temp = MAJOR loss in traction!

 

[TomSlick]

The only time I about lost it was on a cold day with cold tires going through a slight curve and it broke loose without me expecting it. Fortunately I caught it without losing it. I've always said "you have to learn how to drive sideways". But it's not as fun as the older cars with posi-traction rear ends. They were easier to drive sideways. I guess the newer term for that is called drifting. Have fun with the car and be safe, including passengers.

 

[steel snake]

Hi Tom, According to the 2000 shop manual the Viper is equipped with the Dana44 trac/loc posi rear. Being in the Reno area I'll be paying attention to the cold conditions. Thanks AT