Thanks for all the input guys. I went and looked at the car one more time. Everything seems in order but I did have one more question about the shifting of the transmission. It seems if I miss the 1st-2nd shift I cannot just go back to neutral then shift to 2nd gear. I did this four or five times while driving the car. When I did, it would go into 3rd fine and then I would shift down to 2nd or back to 1st then to 2nd. Is that "normal" or acceptable. I hope it is not a 2nd gear synchronizer wearing out in the transmission. OR do I just need to get accustomed to the shifts like a 16yrd kid driving his first manual transmission?
I'm not sure if there are issues regarding that tranny then... the gears are close, but I always granny shift and no matter which gear I'm in and shift into neutral I can shift out into any gear I want for the most part. I drove my Viper to work this morning and did it a lot on the highway in stop and go traffic ranging anywhere from 15mph-40mph. I'm constantly shifting from 3rd into neutral and from neutral either down to 2nd or back into 3rd.
There's a 2nd gear lockout if you are too low in the RPM range... Will throw you right into 4th. Does that sound like what happened ? It's supposed to be for economy but in my case I just wind up delaying the 1st to second shift to avoid it. There are threads on disconnecting it.
He is right, I've had mine pop out of gear before if you are too low in the RPM range.. however, I've also started my car up from a standstill in 3rd, so the tranny is pretty flexible from my own experiences.
By the way, if you're buying a Viper as many people have already stated there are several mods available. In my honest opinion and the most important mods you can do in this order I would highly suggest.
**Tires should come first, however if you have brand new tires or a lot of tread on the ones on the car you buy, you can hold off on these.
1. Stereo-
Stock Viper's have a terrible stereo system. I bought my whole sound system before I even had the car so I could have it installed immediately.
2. Exhaust-
THE BEST setup in my honest opinion is to go with the 3" tip Corsa Exhaust, Random Tech HiFlow Cats to reduce heat and create a beautiful sound! These two things are a must, and to compliment this, which isn't necessary, but definitely a bonus if you have the extra cash to do it, I would go with bellenger or B&B headers. I still want new headers, but of course exhaust and cats should be the first performance mod you do on the car.
3. Intake-
K&N smooth tubes, air filters. I replaced everything and did the K&N Dual FIPK, complete new airbox and all.
4. Tires/Wheels-
As I mentioned in the beginning, tires are a must....PS2's are THE BEST tires for the Viper, the lifespan I would say would be around 14,000 miles. If you buy a car with good tires then you don't need to worry right away, but definitely make sure your Viper has GOOD tires. Wheels of course are all a pesonal preference. I bought a 96, and absolutely HATED the stock 17s.. they looked horrible, and were too small. I jumped up to 19s in front and 20s in the rear and chrome. If your buying a 1999-2002 those wheels are much better then the cast wheels on the 96 and early 97s since they are forged and in my honest opinion look better.
So there you have it. I'm sure other people might have different suggestions, but I strongly feel the most important mods you can do FIRST if you're not seriously looking to track your car, and your just looking for an overall amazing day to day driver's experience on normal street and highway driving.
Stereo, Exhaust, Intake, Wheels/Tires
