First thoughts of ownership...

[2tall]

The Bill and Bill team got my 2001 Red w/Silver Viper to me today at 5:30 pm EST. Not too bad considering that they didn't start driving East (I live in MI) until about 6pm or later yesterday. Big thanks to them working with my impatience.

Now that I've had some seat time, here's some things I've noticed. I welcome your comments and any fix it suggestions you may have.

I'm still stupid with grins.

Upsides:
*Unbelivable how much attention it gets
*Looks oh-so-good in person
*Much more roomy in cockpit than I thought, even at 6'6" I can drive without cramping
*Seems to be incredibly powerful (can't test yet, still in break in phase

)
*Stops on a dime
*Build quality pretty good
*Oh, the women
*Enough room to fit what looks like 2 golf bags in the hatch

Downsides:
*Exhaust too quiet outside, but too loud (droning) at stop lights and 1700 RPM on the highway. Not something I can't live with though... (suggestions?)
*Throw length of shifter and clutch pedal are unbelivable (Dodge knows this is a SPORTS car, right?) -- Sean Roe and MGW will take care of this for me

*Speakers (rear specifically) whose grills aren't attached to the units.


Stuff that I don't think is normal, even for a Viper:
*For some reason the brief couple seconds between 900 and 1100 RPM (in any gear), it sounds like the whole dash/car is rattling, violently. Is something loose? Ever heard of this?
*High pitched whine in the hatch area. Fairly loud at low idle. Again, any ideas?

Many thanks. Let me know what else to look out for!

-B, proud to be an owner finally (after a year)!

 

[RECOIL]

Getting the MGW gripper shifter by itself will amaze you. The throw is shorter and the looks improved.

I can't believe Dodge used a shift knob taken straight out of an 80s Camaro.

That "ball" on a big stick had to go in all the previous Vipers I have owned.

The stock exhaust is very tame sounding. The cheap way to remedy that is to delete the third muffer and weld in an H pipe. You'll be amazed. I have some .wav files if you want them.

Other exhaust considerations:

SnakeOyl, Borla, Cora and Belanger

Steve

 

[Y2K5SRT]

First off, CONGRATULATIONS!! I have seen your posts for some time on this board and know it has been a long haul to get you here. Very, very pleased to see you finally have your car and can experience everything you have read here first hand! As to your questions, let me take a shot if I can:

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
*Exhaust too quiet outside, but too loud (droning) at stop lights and 1700 RPM on the highway. Not something I can't live with though... (suggestions?)
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I thought my exhaust was just too quiet, period. I went with the Snake Oyl set up in the back, which is basically straight pipes in place of the back muffler/resonator. It sounds much more "sportscar like" from in and out, although it can be a little bit loud for the wife. Ironically, it is at it's very quietest at around 1700 rpms. Go figure.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
*Throw length of shifter and clutch pedal are unbelivable (Dodge knows this is a SPORTS car, right?) -- Sean Roe and MGW will take care of this for me

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Looks like you have this figured out. Many of us prefer the First Strike knob from MGW. Very comfortable in the hand and definitely gets rid of that very tall stock knob. Also helps with the shifting!

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
*Speakers (rear specifically) whose grills aren't attached to the units.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Didn't notice this either way.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Stuff that I don't think is normal, even for a Viper:
*For some reason the brief couple seconds between 900 and 1100 RPM (in any gear), it sounds like the whole dash/car is rattling, violently. Is something loose? Ever heard of this?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No idea what this is and have not heard of it before.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
*High pitched whine in the hatch area. Fairly loud at low idle. Again, any ideas?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I am afraid not. Sounds like another possible glitch.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
Many thanks. Let me know what else to look out for!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Look out for the crowds (you will get them). Look out for the young kids challenging you at every light (you will get them). Look out for law (red Viper = magnet). Look out for hitting the gas to ******* a turn. You have undoubtedly read it here a million times, but the first time you get too aggressive with the go pedal while turning you will know it is a baaaad thing. Oh yeah, and look out for many sleepless nights, cramps in your wrists from that fifth coat of Zaino, a sore neck from those quick accelerations, and a grin that won't go away. You may need to look out for the guys in the white jackets (with a special one for you) if you grin like an idiot 100% of the time. Keep it down to 95% or so, especially at funerals...

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
-B, proud to be an owner finally (after a year)!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Proud to have you join the club!

Chris

 

[SoCal Craig]

Welcome!

6'-6" and you fit? Really? I'm only 6'-0" and think I barely fit. I'm considering getting the seat lowered 1".

Yup, kids and young women love the car

I installed the 3" Corsa cat-backs and I'm very happy with the sound.

MGW First Strike knob cured the long throw problem. Plus it looks much better and also allows you to adjust the A/C controls without the shifter being in the way.

Follow the break-in procedure and go easy with the throttle

until you get used to it. Take it to Viper Days and have a blast! Plus you'll learn how good the car handles.

 

[VEETENN]

To have better exhaust sound AND loose the drone buy Corsa Cat back exhaust. If the high pitch whine is not coming from your speakers (alternator whine)you might want to check the fuel pump.

 

[Motor City Mad Man]

So you finally got one huh? Congrats from your neighbor to the North. Wanna race? I better let you break it in first.

 

[SteveT]

2Tall,

Congrats on the new Viper!

I hope to have one by Friday...


To all those suggesting the MGW shifter, how hard/easy is it to install? Price?

Steve

 

[Motor City Mad Man]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SteveT:
2Tall,

Congrats on the new Viper!

I hope to have one by Friday...


To all those suggesting the MGW shifter, how hard/easy is it to install? Price?

Steve

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Steve the MGW shifter is like $75-80 I think. It is very easy to install also.

 

[Viper Specialty]

High Pitched whine may be the fuel pump, it is located in the area.

 

[Casey]

Congrats!!
Good to see another Tall VCA member!(I'm 6'6" also!)

Go with the MGW shifter! Makes a huge difference!
I would also, advise that you get the 2" seat lowering kit. I thought I fit OK when I got my first GTS. When I got the 2" kit installed, WOW, I couldn't believe the extra room!

Sound from the back? Sounds like the Fuel pump to me! Same problem I had with my previous GTS.

Many exhuast upgrades to chose from! You can search on this site, but you better have a full day to spend reading up! Tons of posts on that subject!

Congrats again!

 

[MaxedGTS]

Great car that takes time getting used to. First one I bought made me think there was always something wrong. The problems were in my head! Enjoy that beast!

Max

 

[shifter]

Congrats 2tall!!! Let us know how many hours you spend this weekend staring at it. When I got mine, my wife jokingly left a pillow on the hood for me.

I noticed you aren't far from me at all, so if you are planning to go out for a cruise sometime, let me know. Also, I have the MGW shifter, Borla cat-back with hi flow cats, 37 coats of Zaino, and misc other goodies. If you want to see/hear before you buy, you are welcome to stop over.

I'd also like to see your Red/Silver GTS. I don't have stripes, but I dream about them, sometimes. Hope to see you around.

 

[GTS Dean]

What, no complaints about lack of bells, whistles, or interior storage space?

(just kidding)

Enjoy!!!

 

[2tall]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by GTS Dean:
What, no complaints about lack of bells, whistles, or interior storage space?

(just kidding)

Enjoy!!!

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nope, I knew exactly what I was getting into, and I wouldn't have it any other way! (to be honest, I think there is plenty of storage space -- as much as my old Camaro minus the back seat area, but I was surprised at the size -- or lack thereof -- of the "glove" compartment...)

So I hear a couple votes for Corsa's and one for Borla. Time to research and spend more money!! (my wallet's already begging for mercy).

Anyone had any luck with replacement stereos? That's the next item after exhaust, MGW and Roe...

 

[King GTS]

WELCOME TO THE CLUB. GREAT CHOICE.

 

[KenH]

The Corsa probably does the best job of getting rid of the interior drone and improves the sound quality as well as great looking exhaust tips. But it is not as loud as some of the other options.

--- Ken

 

[shifter]

100% aftermarket stereo system in mine as well. Send me an e-mail sometime if you are curious.

 

[Frank 03SRT]

I'd have that dash/car violent rattle checked out. I have had 2 of these cars and neither exhibited that behavior, although once I put a defective Corsa 3" on my unit which caused the pipes to hit the structure, and it rattled the dash something fierce. You may have something similar with your exhaust. Just a guess.

 

[BigsViper]

First let me say Congratulations!! another "most prolific poster to be forever gonna buy a Viper", bites the dust!! Way to go! First GenX and now 2tall....

I think I'm going to bet on Mickelson to win the Masters!!
(Golfers will understand...)

 

[genXgts]

ahhhhh yes Bigs, the bittersweet irony of having to post to 2tall's purchase and be forced to appear directly after your reply.....ugh

I think you guys have to give us 20 somethings some credit on this board for researching the heck out of a large purchase like this (call us/me a sponge if ya have to!), and using views from around the world on the car and then channel it down to our little neck of the woods, technology, I love it! That 2Tall and I managed to squeeze in 5000 topics in under 12 months before we bought the car is a minor side note, haha

and you thought all we did was eat bags of cheesies between rounds of Grand Turismo on the PS2, oh wait, never mind!

2tall, I can't believe how fast you went in for the kill on that car, truly impressed. Name the place and I'll be over to go for my first multi-Viper cruise, or come over to my side, whatever!

Just came in from 4 hours with the car, great time had by all, funny how "lesser" performance cars just stare straight ahead at lights as if the horse blinders are on, geez, lighten up fellas, have some fun!! Met some cool people as well, taking pictures, let some sit in it, I'm above no one, and hopefully that attitude conveys over to a lack of key scratches when I finally grow the ****** to leave it unattended........

toss some pics up of that red badboy, inquiring minds want to see.....

 

[BigsViper]

So 2tall, maybe I missed it but tell us, is it a GTS or RT/10???

 

[2tall]

My old "Bitchin" Camaro, if you will.

 

[2tall]

Updates/Replies and things...

The fuel pump whine only happens in the first minute after startup or so. The violent shake is now more of a buzz (kind of like holding 1 end of a thin board while using a sawzall or jig saw to cut it). Still I'm going to take it to a guy in Novi (on MCMM's advice) next week (hopefully).

First strike, Roe clutch pedal adjustment, tubes and filters should be on their way today or monday. Next is exhaust (probably Corsa, but I want to hear some other Viper's first) or stereo (can't decide -- in the morning I need my heavy metal to help to wake up).

While I was driving I came across three things that just made me go "Cool". Namely, the white/black daytime and black/white nighttime guages, the windshield wiper pattern, and the fact that I only need to modulate one pedal to get into First or Reverse.

On another note, the handling is downright awesome.

I got some RICE rolling by yesterday. The urge to drop it was very difficult to restrain. "Soon, young skywalker." I keep telling myself.

I'm taking a trip home this weekend... sure I want to see the family and all, but the fact that it just happens to be 200 miles each direction might have something to do with it too

One thing about the lack of interior appointments finally got me. I would LOVE to have 2 cigarette lighters in the car. Currently I can use my radar detector OR charge my cell, but not both... I think I can live with that though...


Vipermad:
I have some pics, but nothing good so far. I have a digital camera and as soon as the weather's nice again I'll take something for the avatar. Where can I upload pics for display (I had yahoo previously)?


SoCal Craig:
I have the 2" drop installed (from the Dealer). Works pretty well. Quite a low sitting position, so getting out isn't a whole lot of fun, but while your in, it's quite good.

Bigsie:
I feel the love brother. It's a GTS. I wasn't initially taken with the silver stripes but they're growing on me. I still think I'll go white as some point.

genXgts:
What's wrong with PS2 and cheesies?
I'll try to post some of the pics from delivery. Gotta host them somewhere. There is some big interest in a get together...


Looks like these people are in the area from around here:
Shifter (Novi)
Motor City Madman (Commerce Twnshp)
genXgts (Windsor)
Rich Knerr (Canton)
Me (FH)

any others?

 

[Vreracing]

I hung a microphone out the rear of the car to record the engine sounds while driving. Interestingly enough it was louder inside the car. The exhaust didn't seem to put out any noise at all.

 

[Magicboy2]

Regarding the cigarette lighter thing-

You can get cigarette lighter "multipliers"... call around to radio shack or a big auto parts chain.

 

[Motor City Mad Man]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 2tall:
Updates/Replies and things...

One thing about the lack of interior appointments finally got me. I would LOVE to have 2 cigarette lighters in the car. Currently I can use my radar detector OR charge my cell, but not both... I think I can live with that though...

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

2Tall, I got a multi cigarette adapter plugin from the Sharper Image in Twelve Oaks Mall. I'm sure they sell them other places like Brookstone or something too. It has 2 power outlets and a cigarette lighter socket (so 3 outlets in all but you can't use the 3rd one for power). I like this one because it has no cord, it just plugs directly into your cigarette lighter. That way you don't have some ugly cord to worry about.