New Viper Yellow 02 RT/10 Owner

[PJS]

Hi guys, finally got my Viper. Its a yellow 2002 brand new with 4 miles on it. I couldn't make up my mind on yellow or red so I did a search on the net and found that there were more red so I bought the yellow. Did I do right? Also what are your thoughts on the 2002 Viper being the last year of this true Viper body style? I could haver bought a newq 2001 yellow for 6k less but I figured the 02 would be worth more in the long run, what do you expert think. I was also told by several dealers that Dodge was buliding on 400 2002 RT/10 for 02 and the rest was going to be coupes.

Drove it today and the front brakes squeaked so bad it was inbarassing. Is the normal for a new Viper.

Any other break in tips from you guys?

Great site, thank to the guys that provide it for us.

Thanks in advance...

 

[SapphireGTS]

These guys say easy on the throttle for the first 2000 miles do an oil change then you are good to go.

I didnt really do that but its probably a good idea.

The brakes will squeal. I just tell people "Its a race car. They do that"

GOOD LUCK KEEPING YOUR FOOT OUT OF THE GAS FOR 2 MONTHS

 

[cstegall]

PJS,

Great choice of color. Welcome to the "yellow fever club". Search the site for info. on breakin...tons here. Also,call JonB at PartsRack for EBC pads...lot less dust and squeak.

C Stegall

 

[Vic]

Congrats on your new purchase!

If you like yellow, then that's whats important. In my way of thinking, there is no other way to judge a color other than what it does for you.

I opted for a 2001, because the iron was hot, and I had to "strike" (pun intended).

Brakes squeal from dust. There's nothing wrong with them, usually. Maybe try different pads, like EBC green. Check with Jon B at Parts Rack, and there are others.

My dealer gave me a set of instructions that they said are to be followed for either a new engine, or an Arrow rebuild.

I can't remember it exactly, but I think it was something like this-
0-200 miles, 2500 rpm max Change the engine oil at this time.
200-400, 3000 rpm
400-600, 3500 rpm
600-800, 4000 ?
800-1000 4500 ?

Avoid full throttle starts, regardless of rpm.

The above is not exactly what they told me, but that was back in July, about 5500 miles ago, so I don't remember it verbatim. It went about in those intervals, or something close to it. Ask Jon B.

A gradual break-in period promotes long life, (not yours, the engine's) and low oil usage.

Keep it between the curbs!

Beast regards, Vic

 

[Jerry Dobson]

Pete,

All Vipers seem to squeel the breaks. It sounds terrible. I can hear them say "He bought the car and can't even afford a break job"

I am with you. I think the 02's will be worth some money. They have really screwed up the new 03's. They ****!!! If I wanted an S2000 I would have bought a Honda. The new car looks too mellow. Hopefully the GTS version will look like the Competition Coupe and save the Viper. If I had the money, I would buy an 2002.

I took a poll of my friends. Some are Lotus guys, some are Vette guys, some are Viper guys. Showing them a picture of the new 03' Viper "What do you think?" I ask. 100% have made reference to the S2000 and that the car does not look as aggressive as current models.

My 2cents,

Jerry

 

[yellow02]

Good choice on the color, and good job getting the final production of the "real viper"

 

[-RUNNR]

Welcome to the Yellow Fever Club

Enjoy the new Viper, and take it easy until you are used to it's character.

 

[CitySnake]

Hey Pete:

Previously posted by PJS:
Drove it today and the front brakes squeaked so bad it was embarrassing. Is the normal for a new Viper.

Have had my '01 RT since September. IMHO I'd wait on making any changes to the brake system for a while. Let them seat for a thousand miles or so and then see how they feel (sound). Mine made heads turn for a while but got quieter as they broke in. After 3,000 miles I find that they still squeal but I can modulate the pedal pressure to quiet them. Hard or soft seems to be silent while moderate pressure at slow speeds squeals. It IS a race car so you "should" be ******* or completely off the brakes anyway

(= no squeal).

Incredible motorcar! Have FUN!

Scott

 

[GTSREDDOG]

Congrats on your new love. That is what I am trying to do except Im going the GTS route. Trying to sell my 1998 to get an 02 in YELLOW. GOD I LOVE THAT COLOR. Best of luck with your new car and BE CAREFUL

 

[Jeff Torrey]

Pete- Congrats. and good luck with the car.

 

[Y2K5SRT]

If you don't like the sounds of the brakes (I didn't either), GET EBC PADS. The last time I checked, they were all of $150 for the entire set (non-ABS car in my case). No squeak and very little brake dust (you will find out about that little gremlin after a few more miles).

I have often compared the brake squeal on this car to having Claudia Schiffer come up to you on the beach and promptly farting upon her arrival. Tends to ruin the effect a bit.

Good luck, and enjoy your new ride!

Chris

 

[jimandela]

Welcome

Awesome color. I wonder if when time to sell comes if my
1 of 356 will get that much less than 1 of ??? 2002.

wish mine was a last year viper but hopefully wont be a big deal.
Love it!

The color is amazing !!

Congrats and again welcome!!!