Just picked up my new to me 96 GTS, couple of questions

[unclebeets]

Just brought a 96 GTS back to Winnipeg Canada today. I bought it in Livonia Michigan (Detroit area) from a VCA member named Donald Ouellette. First I'd like to say that Donald went out of his way to help me out, great guy to deal with.

I have a question regarding driveline lash, it seems that if your not really smooth on the cluth and **** the car a bit when leaving the line I can hear a bit of clunking that sounds like gear lash. Is this normal with the Viper or should I be looking into this?

I'll get some pics up soon

Thanks Brent

 

[venms96]

Congrats on the purchase.
About the clunking...when you say, "off the line", I take it you mean when you are simply starting to engage the clutch in 1st gear, not racing it at the Drag Strip already are you ?
Mine does the same thing. I think it has to do with the "lumpy Cam" is what they refer to it here as, and you have to keep the RPM's up a little bit more when first starting out or it will buck and ****. Is that what you are referring to ? It's what separates the 96 GTS's from the other ones really.
Different Cam set up. Just give it a little more gas, play with the Clutch a little, you'll figure it out. But I don't think it's anything to be alarmed about. Unless the car has a ton of miles, been raced, or beat on, I believe it's normal operation of the almighty 96 GTS ! You bought a great car Brent.

venms96

 

[Ron]

A certain amount of driveline lash (slop) is normal and desirable as it will minimize broken components. In the shop manual it warns against tightening the clearances to remove. Admittedly seems odd to a new owner.

venms96, I think you were thinking of NGR as the earlier cam's provided both the lumpier idle and a bit of additional neutral gear rattle (NGR) which are both normal and enjoyable. Cam has nothing to do with driveline lash.

 

[unclebeets]

Venms:

I love the car and can't believe the power, I hadn't even drove a Viper until I drove this one.

The noise I hear occurs if the clutch is not engaged smoothly and the car rocks forward and back, I figure is must be driveline lash and I'm curious to know if everyone hears this in their Vipers.

Can't believe this car though, it's wild

 

[unclebeets]

Ron:

Thanks for the reply, makes me happy to know it's a normal noise. I get a little freaked out every time it makes a noise I'm not expecting.

 

[venms96]

Ron,

Thanks for the clarification. Still learning....
Well Brent, looks like you're good to go ! No worries.

venms96

 

[Ron]

No problem guy's, I still remember asking the dealer why the engine was "missing" when I pickup up my new GTS. Was surprised a manufacturer could still build an engine with such a nice sounding cam. NGR didn't bother me because my previous Porsche had it but I also remember being surprised by the amount of driveline lash.

Good luck with it!

 

[V 10 MAFIA]

Venms:

I love the car and can't believe the power, I hadn't even drove a Viper until I drove this one.

The noise I hear occurs if the clutch is not engaged smoothly and the car rocks forward and back, I figure is must be driveline lash and I'm curious to know if everyone hears this in their Vipers.

Can't believe this car though, it's wild

Yes, sound seems normal when rocking slightly back and forth at slow speeds especially when you baby the car.

 

[kcobean]

Another one gone. When I spoke with Donald about the car, he mentioned that he already had a deposit on the car...he must have been talking about you! Congratulations. It sounds like it is a beautiful car.

 

[SidewinderGTS]

Congrats on your new car.

 

[KERS-VPR]

Ron,

Thanks for the clarification. Still learning....
Well Brent, looks like you're good to go ! No worries.

venms96

venms96,
your always learning

 

[unclebeets]

kcobean,

Do you know Donald? or did you see it on Autotrader?

 

[LETHAL GTS]

Lets go cruisin tonight!
I'll see if my ol lady will leave my cage door open. If so then I'm good to go.
What time do you get off work Brent?

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

Ron is right, and keep in mind this is totally normal in virtually all fully independent rear suspension vehicles to some extent. You hear a clunk as you have half shafts and a driveline the size of small howitzers. Others hear a tink, *****, etc. cuz they have little girly , spindly components, that make little ***** noises. You have massive torque, massive parts, so wear your clunk with pride.............amen.

 

[kcobean]

kcobean,

Do you know Donald? or did you see it on Autotrader?

I ran across his car on autotrader and had a nice conversation with him on the phone. It sounds like he took very good care of your car.