Is the spare tire in a GTS required for saftey?

[Jerry Dobson]

I know that in the RT/10, the spare tire is in place for a saftey factor. This is also the case with some Porsches and Lotuses with the spare in front.

Does the GTS require the spare for rear end crash protection? Looks like it would go through the gas tank and actually be LESS SAFE with the tire in place.

The reason I am asking is that I am considering removing it for a sound system installation.

 

[King GTS]

No, not to my knowledge.

 

[Brad Manhattan Beach]

Yes it is required for rear impact safety. Don't remove it for weight savings or to stick a ghetto blaster stereo system in. You'll regret it.

Brad

 

[Viper Wizard]

YES!
All Vipers! The spare is there for safety!
DO NOT REMOVE!

 

[Tiepilot]

Thanks Chuck, Good to know info!

 

[randall]

jerry,can't you live without going BOOMBOOMBOOM

 

[99t1]

it's safer without it because of the fuel tank...unless you get a flat in South Philly with yer Springsteen CD blasting!

 

[Jay Herbert]

At one of the early Viper Days, Roy Sjoberg, The Vipers "father" and executive engineer, pointed out the the spare is integral in the design of the Vipers rear impact (crumple) zone... and to leave it in when on the track. It is there for safety in a crash for both RT/10's and GTS's, not only for safety when you have a flat in a bad neigborhood

That's from the fellow who was in charge of entire cars design.

 

[Jerry Dobson]

99T1,
That was my thinking. Pull the tire out and let the frame take the impact from a rear end collision, not the GAS TANK!

I think during certain impacts, the spare tire could cause gas to spill all over the occupants if the tank is broken open.

Randy,
My problem is that my system sounded terrible. Actually worse than many other stock system....and then you have heard my car. It is louder than stock. Turning up the sound system led to nothing but distortion. Exhaust upgrades really hurt the sound system.

 

[99t1]

Jerry..I was not clear on my earlier post. If this is a street car, I would leave it in as I do when I drive my ACR on the street.

My point here might be a bit skewed since my car is raced more than run on the street and has a full roll cage with rear bracing...so for me the position of the tank and the extreme heat while racing makes the choice clear...I take it out while racing. The SCCA requires it out.

As you know, these cars need to pass crash tests. I won't tell you to take it out, the best Viper Tech on the planet (Wizard) won't tell you to take it out, even Father Viper and DC won't tell you to take it out...but "off the record" your thinking is sharp!