Finally joining the Viper Nation....

[Scott_in_FL]

After nearly an entire year with the "enthusiast" title, it appears that it may change to "VCA Member" next weekend. Another member on this site (thanks Keith), found me a great deal on a brand new solid blue coupe with the optional wheels (more than $13k off MSRP). The price forced me to jump earlier than anticipated (I was going to wait until after VOI9). I decided to go with solid blue because I like the concept coupe stripes better than the stock stripes. We'll apply those as soon as she gets home.

Now, here is where I need some advice. I am picking up the car in Ohio. We're flying in on Saturday, and we plan to make a little vacation out of the return trip home visiting and staying with friends along the route back.

How many miles should I give the break-in (varying speeds, no lugging, no full throttle, etc.)?

Is there anything I should bring with me for the trip? A friend suggested purchasing a front bra for the interstate. Sounds like a good idea. I'm also planning on grabbing a V1 detector for the po-po. What should I do about floor mats?

More importantly, what do I need to know re: theft protection if we stay at hotels? What is the anti-theft included with the car? Is the key chipped? If so, how effective is the system? The GM chip system is supposedly quite good and I never really worried about my prior C5 corvette or my current BMW745i.

Any other things I should know while preparing for this drive? Thanks in advance and thanks for all of the direction you guys have provided.

Scott.

P.S. I can't tell you how hard it was for me to select a color. I must have changed between Red (cops love it too), Black (not as striking b/c it hides some lines) and Blue (the best compromise?) every other day for the last several months. Ultimately, I decided that I'm going to love it regardless of the color and, when it comes down to it, I think the coupes look great in all the colors. I can't wait and honestly, I haven't been able to sleep for an entire week already.

 

[zorroespanol]

-Break-in is B.S. you do not need one.

-Floor mats? well, buy some...

-Detector would be a must for me. I am tired of getting clipped in some of those redneck counties in the middle of nowhere that get all their revenue from a major artery that happens to run through them. Don't be me.

-if you can affor a Viper the hotels you stay in should't worry you about not finding your car in the morning!! Worst case pull the starter fuse at night. Not that I've ever done that.

-Good luck changing status to VCA I've had my 04 for a while now, and e-mailed, PM'ed and no reply... I'll be enthusiast forever even after my 2nd viper!!

 

[wormdoggy]

Welcome..........


..and make sure to post pics once you have the vehicle.

 

[VENOMAHOLIC]

Congrats on your Viper. Break in is theoretically becoming less necessary because of the great engine tolerances of today. However, it is brand new and it is possible but rare for some shakedown issues so I would still go easy. Avoid rockchips by leaving lots of space between you and cars in front. Glad you got a great deal.

 

[Bobpantax]

Congrats. Follow the break in instructions in the manual. It is only five hundred miles. If you have not driven a Viper before, you should take it easy anyway until you are familiar with and used to the car's driving characteristics. Not that long ago, there was a post about a poor soul who totaled a new coupe right after he got it. It is important to respect the torque monster that resides within each Viper. It will bite you and your pocket book if you do not. In this same vein, your passenger should know not to fool around when you are driving. Driving a Viper is not for the foolish and the driver should not be distracted by actions that might be OK in a less performance oriented vehicle. Be aware of the additional need to rely on the rear view mirrors. Without them there are large blind spots that a car can, and frequently does, hide in while its passengers are looking at your car. Be careful of other cars where the passengers are looking at your car. They can do some really stupid things including swerve to avoid hitting the car in front of them. Also, do a thorough check of all systems before you close the deal. Make sure the lights all work per spec. Turn them off and on a few times to check. A few of the coupes have experienced some light gremlins. Better to check than to be stopped and ticketed. Also, check and make sure the "low tire" indicator is not on. It can be reset and should be before you make the trip back. Good luck. Drive safely. Have a good time.

Bob

 

[Scott_in_FL]

Excellent points. Thank you very much. I have always owned sports cars (and still race 1000cc motorcycles, so I know the consequences that fools suffer), but nothing with the torque of these beasts. So, we'll definitely be taking it easy on the way back.

And yes, we'll stay at good hotels, but I will still worry about keeping a Viper outdoors at night. Is the standard anti-theft any good?

Thanks again.

 

[Warfang]

Excellent points. Thank you very much. I have always owned sports cars (and still race 1000cc motorcycles, so I know the consequences that fools suffer), but nothing with the torque of these beasts. So, we'll definitely be taking it easy on the way back.

And yes, we'll stay at good hotels, but I will still worry about keeping a Viper outdoors at night. Is the standard anti-theft any good?

Thanks again.

The standard alram is "ok" (small o, small k). You should leave a Viper unattended for too long anyways. If you're going to stay overnight at a hotel without garage parking, get a car cover. That's just an added layer of protection from curious idiots.

 

[Paul Hawker]

Biggest problem with parking VIpers in a motel lot is that you will see lots of nose print smudges when you go out to your car.

Not a lot of Vipers reported stolen. Most problem is with service people taking them out for a spin after working on them. Most of us sleep comfortably but with one ear open for Viper sounds.

Be sure not to go to full throttle in lower gears unless your wheel is pointed straight ahead, and you are at full attention. Vipers, because of their torque can get away from you around corners if you are not prepared.

Sign up for a ViperDays driving event where you can get your techniques up to ViperSpeed on a track with professional coaching available.

Welcome to the ViperNation. Get in touch with your local club President to join in all your regional activities. Your first years Dues are already paid for through Dodge.

Florida has great Regional membership events. Enjoy your new VIPER!

 

[TRAMP 13]

do like I did one time give the motel a extra 20.00 and tell them you have just got the car and can you park it at the front entrance to the motel,I did that when I went to a casino.NO problem.

 

[Scott_in_FL]

I like the car cover idea and parking it in front of the hotel office or lobby as ***** suggested. I'll definitely be doing that.

And, as soon as I can find an SRT Driving Experience school near me, I'm on it. There's nothing better than track experience to learn about your machine imo.

 

[zorroespanol]

Scott, Vipers are nice but nothing beats the thrill of a motorcycle, I have both as well. I read your post and got the urge...I think I am going for a ride Cheers!

 

[ulllose]

My thought behind the car being stolen.



Fastest 13k you could make these days...

They make more blue viper coupes.

 

[ulllose]

My thought behind the car being stolen.



Fastest 13k you could make these days...

They make more blue viper coupes.

What part of Ohio?