Finally saw a new SRT in person

[Patrick99gts]

I finally got to see the new SRT in person day. I took my viper to my local dealership today and was greeted by a local salesman. I asked him if he had any new vipers in stock that I could look at. He said you thinking about trading yours in. I said no not really, but would just like to look. He said he had a silver one inside that was already sold but I was free to look at. So we went inside and the salesman pointed over to left where the the silver SRT was and the dang thing was roped off. At first I didn't know what to think. I was like is this it. I thought it looked worse in person then it did in the pictures. The back end was hideous. Total stratus ripoff. The sides straight angles were awful. Way to many straight angles and not engough gorgeous curves like the vipers I'm used to seeing. Maybe in a different color like black it might of looked better but probably not. The salesman told me a little about it how it had an extra 50hp then mine had and some of the new cool features like the push button start. I was thinking to myself, I'm as lazy as they come and I'm not quite that lazy that I can't turn a key. But in reality I told him nice. The only part of the whole car that pleased me was the extra hp until I saw the price. The sticker price alone was close to 90k. I couldn't belive it. Who in the right mind would pay that much for this or trade a beautiful RT/10 or GTS for this. I thanked the guy for taking his time and showing me the car told him I'll hold on to mine and drove off. It wasn't to bad of a day. I was driving home and thought about how the only good thing about the new SRT was that it will make the original vipers even more rare. I know I will probably get flamed for posting my thoughts but I hardly ever post anyways so I really don't care.

 

[Daffy Duck Viper]

Nah, no flames. You didn't say anything we haven't already heard on here over and over and over and.... *chuckle*

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[Gerald Levin]

Patrick, I agree 100% but looking at ebay and the number of people with $80,000+ fighting over those SRT's, there are many that don't share our opinions.

 

[SUN RA KAT]

The high price is sorta realistic - it's a 2003 ACR Viper in a convertible - but in order to do ACR things in it you must put in a rollbar and other mods to be safe to race.

If you look at my avatar you can see which Viper I prefer. I also find the new SRT-10 to be underpowered, at least compared to mine.

 

[GTSPOWERED]

there are a few good things that I seen that I liked. I do like the little extea room on the inside and the push button starter, the front end is not as lowe so not to scrape the nose and of corse the extra power. But all this does not add up to my GTS great look.

 

[SylvanSRT]

I do hope you like the rear end, because if your car is not modded thats the side of the car you'll be seeing the most!

 

[SylvanSRT]

Kenny now everything short of a 767 is underpowered compared to your car.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

I was relieved that it didn't look as bad as I thought it would - not an acceptable response for a Viper purist. It's an ok looking car. But ok isn't good enough. Some folks won't like the re-hashing of this topic but it's the best way for Dodge to see what we want.

I hate the straight lines.
I hate the scoop. Use a NACA duct.
I didn't need a "true convertible", I liked the sport bar.
I didn't mind the alleged miserable aerodynamics of GenII, it didn't seem to bother Oreca either.
I don't understand the reasoning for the push-button start, but it's not a deal breaker.
I like the performance.

 

[genXgts]

Sylvan, no flame intended, but keep in mind the record 1/4 mile run is still had by a 2000 Rt/10 at 11.77 to a posted video of 11.87ish by John Myrick's (sp) SRT.

Road racing different story, nice to see someone added braking power to the mix, personally I like the interior, and I guess we have to accept that thing as it is a Viper I guess.

If that's not following the "If you can't say anything nice don't say anyhthing at all" mantra, I give up!!!

I've seen them in person, sat in one, started one, and even raced one on the freeway. It's not for me.

 

[SylvanSRT]

No flame rec'd. I have never drag raced, only spend time on road couses. Thats why there is strawberry, vanilla, and porsches and ferraris also. You have done everything but drive one, you will have to give it a try! I am sure some one will beat that 1/4 mile time w/ an SRT. Was that car a DC car or a customer car? just curious it could have been a ringer.

 

[Y2K5SRT]

Sylvan, no flame intended, but keep in mind the record 1/4 mile run is still had by a 2000 Rt/10 at 11.77 to a posted video of 11.87ish by John Myrick's (sp) SRT.

Apples and oranges. If I recall correctly, the RT/10 was driven by Evan Smith, arguably the best street car drag racer in the country. Give him an SRT and I would not be shocked to see 11.5 or better. All due respect to John, but even with his awesome time it is probably not quite what a "pro" would pull.

The salesman told me a little about it how it had an extra 50hp then mine had and some of the new cool features like the push button start. I was thinking to myself, I'm as lazy as they come and I'm not quite that lazy that I can't turn a key. But in reality I told him nice. The only part of the whole car that pleased me was the extra hp until I saw the price. The sticker price alone was close to 90k. I couldn't belive it. Who in the right mind would pay that much for this or trade a beautiful RT/10 or GTS for this.

You have to turn the key AND push the start button. More work than the GTS. Sticker price is exactly $83,795 - on all of them (and few owners actually paid even that). Sticker price on my 2000 GTS was $76,495. For $7,000 more you get upgrades galore, upgrades that would cost double that to put on your GTS. The brake system alone would be hard to duplicate for that price. And I, being in my right mind, did indeed let go of my stunning black/silver GTS for this more subdued SRT. Not a single regret.

While this has been rehashed a thousand times, here is my suggestion: See if somebody you know will let you drive their SRT around a bit. Mind you, if you are jumping from a '98 GTS with a lightweight flywheel, headers, Borla exhaust, lumpy cam, and all the other goodies, the SRT is just too darn "nice". But stock for stock you will be very pleasantly surprised, especially if you can give the car a little work out. I would also suggest you get a gander at these cars as they are rolling. When my wife saw an SRT for the very first time under the lights at a dealership, she was very underwhelmed. She asked why we got rid of the GTS for THIS. I was having second thoughts as well. Three months later and neither one of us would go back. It is an incredible machine and the looks are actually pretty darn good.

Chris

 

[tattooed]

i guess i'll just have to take one for a test drive. the SRT has not impressed me at all yet. i'd rather have a GTS any day.

 

[james97gts]

Patrick, I also agree with you. The new vipers just don't have the stunning look as the old ones.

Gerald, I to can't believe people on ebay are fighting over the $80,000+ SRT's. Seems like they should be fighting over the RT/10/GTS vipers since they no longer make them. I for one would never sell mine and take a huge hit just for a new one. I like mine to much. Take Care

 

[SRTRICK]

Not that it really matters, but why do these ludite GTS/RT owners continually post that they don't like the SRT on the SRT forum? I would think that the appropriate place to post these negative opinions would be on the old forum where they are unlikely to offend anyone. I don't post on the old forum my opinions about my previous "Clown Shoe" RT. I just don't understand why some people can't understand that there are different horses for different races.

 

[Joseph Houss]

Apples and oranges. If I recall correctly, the RT/10 was driven by Evan Smith, arguably the best street car drag racer in the country. Give him an SRT and I would not be shocked to see 11.5 or better. All due respect to John, but even with his awesome time it is probably not quite what a "pro" would pull.

Chris is absolutely correct. Evan is one amazing driver..... and will be handed the keys to my SRT as soon as I hit 500 miles!

Stay tuned!

 

[Patrick99gts]

SRTRICK,
For the record I actually posted this on the RT/10 and GTS board and it ended up here. So someone moved the post. I didn't mean to offend you but thats my opinion and alot of others I see as well.

 

[GTS Dean]

I saw, sat in and drove John Myrick's SRT (thanks, John!) the day he laid down the 11.86. It was nice, very nice, but I was not overwhelmed by it, except for the brakes. I got in my car and drove home, loving every mile of it.

My black SRT is due in any day now. I'll test drive it and make up my mind then. I tend to agree with the thread starter regarding the looks. It's definitely a Viper, but you can look at it from any angle and see design elements of lots of different cars on the road today.

 

[SRTRICK]

Patrick - then my objection is not with you, but with those who moved it - Joe Houss, why do posts like this meant to be for gen2 & 3 owners get moved here??? I don't visit that forum & don't care what they think about the SRT, but these opinions got done to death here early on & I thought it was decided that the two sides ******** back & forth with no hope of changing anyones opinion was not in the best interests of the club in general.

 

[tattooed]

Patrick - then my objection is not with you, but with those who moved it - Joe Houss, why do posts like this meant to be for gen2 & 3 owners get moved here??? I don't visit that forum & don't care what they think about the SRT, but these opinions got done to death here early on & I thought it was decided that the two sides ******** back & forth with no hope of changing anyones opinion was not in the best interests of the club in general.

hrm ... the subject is related to 3rd generation vipers, so it seems appropriate to me that this thread be in the Gen III forum. if you see an opinion you don't like here, then learn to deal with it, or go someplace else. its important that any and all opinions can be voiced here. this forum would **** if the only opinion allowed was "it's great, i love it!"

anyway, i think the detractors have made alot of good points, and i agree with many of the comments. the SRT is not for me (yet) - looks too plain, looks like a woman's car, has too many elements from too many other cars on the road today, does not turn heads like a Gen II does, etc.

i have been following alot of the threads in this forum though, and maybe i'll change my mind some day. heck, it took me 3 years to learn to love the C5 Corvette. at first, i thought the ass end on the C5 was hideous. now though, i've grown to love big asses.

hrm ... maybe i would change my mind if Chris took me for a ride in his.

 

[Motor City Mad Man]

Patrick - then my objection is not with you, but with those who moved it - Joe Houss, why do posts like this meant to be for gen2 & 3 owners get moved here??? I don't visit that forum & don't care what they think about the SRT, but these opinions got done to death here early on & I thought it was decided that the two sides ******** back & forth with no hope of changing anyones opinion was not in the best interests of the club in general.

hrm ... the subject is related to 3rd generation vipers, so it seems appropriate to me that this thread be in the Gen III forum. if you see an opinion you don't like here, then learn to deal with it, or go someplace else. its important that any and all opinions can be voiced here. this forum would **** if the only opinion allowed was "it's great, i love it!"

I agree with the part about this forum would **** if there was no controversy. We would all get so bored we wouldn't visit the site or post anymore. That's why we get a 4 page post when some outsider comes in and says something like Vipers ****!!!! Everyone gets all pumped up and we have to chase the person out of the forum. Then we just can't wait til another one comes along so we can give 'em the business too. That's what makes this so fun. I have voiced my negative opinion about the GEN III Viper's exterior styling long ago and won't start up telling you that you have an ugly baby again.

 

[SRT10]

The SRT is my 2nd Viper. I had a 2001 RT/10 before. That being said, if I had to have only one Viper my choice would be an SRT, absolutely 100%. The SRT is an awesome car!
Isn't it funny that some people call a 500hp car a girls car.

 

[tattooed]

The SRT is my 2nd Viper. I had a 2001 RT/10 before. That being said, if I had to have only one Viper my choice would be an SRT, absolutely 100%. The SRT is an awesome car!
Isn't it funny that some people call a 500hp car a girls car.

500 bhp really isn't that much these days. i have friends who won't invite me to go out with them because i'm not putting down at least 500 rwhp.

 

[SRT10]

The SRT is the most powerfull American production car ever produced. How many American cars make 500hp STOCK? Only 1.

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[Jerry Dobson]

While this has been rehashed a thousand times, here is my suggestion: See if somebody you know will let you drive their SRT around a bit. Mind you, if you are jumping from a '98 GTS with a lightweight flywheel, headers, Borla exhaust, lumpy cam, and all the other goodies, the SRT is just too darn "nice".

Chris,
Maybe I need a little longer test drive??? You just can't beat a 96-98 GTS Cam Car. It's like a Harley... Rumble Rumble Rumble...It any gonna die at idle, it just feels like it. I still love the GTS.

 

[tattooed]

The SRT is the most powerfull American production car ever produced. How many American cars make 500hp STOCK? Only 1.

heheh. i'll agree that the SRT looks great on paper, but nobody is "stock" on the streets these days. so "stock" is irrelevant. none of my cars have ever been stock for longer than 15 minutes. in fact, for example, you'd have a really tough time finding a "stock" 03 Cobra with more than 500 miles on it. and some of those non-stock 03 Cobras will embarass a stock (or even modded) 03 SRT.

 

[GR8_ASP]

Doubtful an '03 cobra will "embarass" a stock SRT. The '03 cobra would need about 550 hp to be on an equal power to weight basis with the SRT as-delivered. Also noting the Vipers history of over achieving it's horsepower ratings (note most SRT's have dynoed around 445-450 RWHP) and Ford's opposite history of over rating theirs, the 550 may be a conservative estimate.

My Gen I provides RWHP greater than the crankshaft horsepower Ford quotes for the cobra (400 RWHP vs 390 BHP). With the Viper's weight advantage I do not think an '03 cobra could come close to hanging with the Gen I.

No doubt that aftermarket changes can increase the cobra's performance. But with 8.3L it does not take much for the SRT to keep up with the increases.

BTW I will close with the good old comment. You can put a JATO rocket on a Ford Mustang and all you will have is a fast Mustang. And all a Mustang can embarass is it's owner.

 

[BlueGTS]

It seams like most of the people picking on the SRT are GTS owners. You cannot compare the looks of the SRT to the GTS. They car completely different cars, now comparing the RT-10 to the SRT-10 is a bit better. The reason I say this is, the back of either the RT or SRT is not all that aggressive. Compare those cars to a GTS or SRT-Coupe and the hard tops win hands down. Obviously the open-air cars give up some styling to get some rays. This is a fair trade.

I will make one nit pick about the Gen 3. Why did they use a Caravan radio instead of farming out the stereo like they did in Gen 1-2? It is from a Caravan for heaven sakes! That type of thing smacks of the C5 where the HVAC and stereo are straight from the Blazer.

With that said. I think everyone should agree that the SRT-10 is an evolution and thus a “better” car than the GEN 2. It might not be prettier but Dodge spent some time improving everything else.

 

[IA]

There are two similar threads running on this subject which is great because I have waited for this. I was on the verge of buying a viper last year but I was torn between buying the older RT versus the new SRT. I am sorry but I think you SRT fanatics are living in a dream world. I have to say that the viper has lost A LOT of its charm for the following reasons:

1) Styling: Give me a break guys. I know you love this car but tons of cars are styled just as well if not better...SL roadsters, the new Z, the maseratis to name just a few. All these cars get tons of gawk factor when parked anywhere. I have seen it myself. The thing for me was that the viper always seemed to do more. Now you combine this with the fact that some brilliant redesigned models are coming out in the next 2 to 3 years: mustang, corvette, a few in the BMW line up etc, there is really no plus factor for the viper.

2) HP: This was pumped over and over again by the SRT guys in previous arguments. Face it, many cars will break through that seemingly unobtainable barrier in 3 years: M5, any of the high end AMG SL roadsters.... and I am talking stock. Add on the fact that $35,000 will soon get you a 390 HP stock mustang, I can only imagine what you can do with some tweak here and there. However what really kills me is that these cars will not only pump as much HP but will come with enough luxuries to make you drool. Now please explain who should be the proud owner? Bottom line, I am not impressed at all with the 500 HP argument.

3) Price: I am not going waste much time on this subject. For the two points above, it is simply no longer a bargain. Yeah, you could say "well don't buy it". However, that is not the point. The viper was a concept: radical styling, priced affordably for the class of car and despite its lack of comfort edged out the competition in other ways that could not be described on paper. Now the SRT looks like.....um.....a new model car. So for all of the preceding, I will stick with the RT-10.

My $0.02

 

[tattooed]

Doubtful an '03 cobra will "embarass" a stock SRT. The '03 cobra would need about 550 hp to be on an equal power to weight basis with the SRT as-delivered. Also noting the Vipers history of over achieving it's horsepower ratings (note most SRT's have dynoed around 445-450 RWHP) and Ford's opposite history of over rating theirs, the 550 may be a conservative estimate.

the 03 Cobra is factory rated at 390 bhp. most of them have been putting down 360-380 rwhp in stock form. with under $3000 in mods (upper pulley, lower pulley, intake, exhaust, chip - and remember that Mustang mods are really inexpensive when compared to Viper mods), they are putting down 550 rwhp. for $7000, you can just pull the SC off and replace it with a Kenne Bell unit that will bump you up to 700 rwhp. sell your stock SC and the Kenne Bell only cost you $4000. safely add a complimentary (to a SC setup) shot of nitrous to that and you have a car that will beat just about anything. the forged internals and iron block make the car virtually bulletproof.

My Gen I provides RWHP greater than the crankshaft horsepower Ford quotes for the cobra (400 RWHP vs 390 BHP). With the Viper's weight advantage I do not think an '03 cobra could come close to hanging with the Gen I.

the Gen I Viper weighed 3476 lbs, and the 03 Cobra weighs 3780 lbs. 750 rwhp does an adequate job of making up for that weight difference. i have 3 friends in town with 03 Cobras running 9's or 10's. the most $$$ invested in any one Cobra is $7000. and those happen to be the only people i know who own 03 Cobras, so i suspect there are plenty more like that on that streets.

No doubt that aftermarket changes can increase the cobra's performance. But with 8.3L it does not take much for the SRT to keep up with the increases.

forced induction and nitrous are adequate (and complimentary) replacements for displacement.

there's something to be said for forged internals and iron blocks too.

BTW I will close with the good old comment. You can put a JATO rocket on a Ford Mustang and all you will have is a fast Mustang. And all a Mustang can embarass is it's owner.

well, ok. you got me here. an 03 Cobra does indeed look exactly like the other 37 billion Mustangs currently on the road. and the car is fugly and has no style. wait, let me be completely honest here: an 03 Cobra is actually a supercharged **** with wheels. and i'm sincerely shocked that Ford didn't offer Metallic **** Brown as a color option.

all that said, i'll have to close by stating that i would take a Gen I, Gen II, or Gen III Viper any day over a Mustang. in the past 4 years, i have owned a 96 Viper RT/10, a 99 Cobra, a 99 C5 Corvette, and a 99 Camaro SS, so i'm speaking with some experience under my belt too.

thanks for the reply.
cheers!
ken

 

[tattooed]

yeah, we have owned similar cars. most people are loyal to one car maker.

i have been torn between the Gen II Viper and the C5 Corvette. the Viper is hands down the sexiest, meanest head-turner of the two. BUT, the C5 has active handling, traction control, and ABS (which the Viper eventually got). i drive my cars hard, and in all types of weather, so the AH, TC, and ABS serve me well - they have saved my butt a few times. each car has its place/role. the C5 gets the nod in foul weather. heck, i drive my Corvette on snow and ice.