Pros and Cons of a 01 ACR?

[am.mscl]

What are peoples opinions of an 01 ACR with comfort group added back vs 02 GTS?
I know the differences is a little HP gain and about 30-35 ft/lbs Torque gain. Different shocks and no fog lights. Lighter by 50 lbs.
But what are the pros and cons of the car ACR.
Is it a little bit noiser in the cabin due to less interior padding?
How much rougher of a ride due to the shock difference?
Any things else?
Thanks
Ray

 

[plumcrazy]

no cons at all IMO. its a great car. dont over think it

50lbs and any power increase makes no real world difference, the shocks might be better but not enough to care.

 

[SoCal Rebell]

The only problem with the '01 ACR was the water pump, my buddy's (PMUM) impeller kept breaking because it was plastic.

 

[01sapphirebob]

I had an '01 ACR and I could not say anything bad about it. The only down side I could come up with if I had to pick one would be the BBS rims....I love those rims but they are a PITA to clean.

 

[CCBrian]

Bought one new...great car!

 

[goldcup]

Shocks can leak and need rebuilding rides a bit rougher but if any of us cared about that we would be driving a Corvette or a Caddy! Of course if it isnt Sapphire Blue why bother!!!!!!

 

[am.mscl]

Shocks can leak and need rebuilding rides a bit rougher but if any of us cared about that we would be driving a Corvette or a Caddy! Of course if it isnt Sapphire Blue why bother!!!!!!

It is Sapphire Blue, has Chrome HRE wheels that have more spokes then the Stock BBS.
Thanks everyone
Ray

 

[JonB]

What are peoples opinions of an 01 ACR with comfort group added back vs 02 GTS?
I know the differences is a little HP gain and about 30-35 ft/lbs Torque gain. Different shocks and no fog lights. Lighter by 50 lbs.
But what are the pros and cons of the car ACR.
Is it a little bit noiser in the cabin due to less interior padding?
How much rougher of a ride due to the shock difference?
Any things else? Thanks Ray

I had a 2001 ACR for 33K miles. Great Viper in its day...and even now.

1) You are mixing up Gen 4 and Gen 2 stats. 2001 and 2002 HP the same; The G2 comfort group options added radio and AC and 40 lbs... no sound deadening differences.

2) No ACRs 1999-2002 had OE fog lites.

3) 2001-2002 ACRs have the notorious DSI-leaky-bouncy shocks; The rear was vastly oversprung. Needs a cheap re-spring to settle the car. OE is a hazard ob rough road. After 5-7 years I have NOT SEEN a non-leaking OE DSI ACRshock from 01-02. Age matters as much as miles.

4) All 01 water pumps are suspect, and many were warranteed out

Good Luck JonB~~~~:<~

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

What are peoples opinions of an 01 ACR with comfort group added back vs 02 GTS?
I know the differences is a little HP gain and about 30-35 ft/lbs Torque gain. Different shocks and no fog lights. Lighter by 50 lbs.
But what are the pros and cons of the car ACR.
Is it a little bit noiser in the cabin due to less interior padding?
How much rougher of a ride due to the shock difference?
Any things else?
Thanks
Ray

Either one are awesome but IF you can find a good shape 02 final edition GTS----buy it. THE best and will hold value a little better IMO.

 

[am.mscl]

Ok now here is the real question:
Both of the 2 we are looking at are 1200 miles away.
The 01 GTR ACR has Belanger headers, Corsa exhaust and High flow cats.
The 02 GTR is Stock.
We are considering flying out and driving the one we purchase back in 2 days or have it shipped?
Thanks
Ray

 

[72hemi]

I would go with the ACR, but I am a little biased. I can't speak to the quality of the stock shocks on the ACR as mine were replaced by the previous owner with Penske 8300's.

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

The shocks have a tendency to leak , as noted above, and that can be a large expense to replace - the rebuilds are not a guarantee.

Actually , no US ACRs had foglamps, but if you find one with them , then it is likely a Canadian version.

 

[Red Mist Viper]

What’s the mileage and price of both? Does the ACR have a/c? What color is the ‘02. I have Belanger headers, hi-flow cats and Corsa exhaust on my ’02 and love it. The ACR’s ride can be a little choppy but you’ll get use to it. Otherwise, as stated above, watch for leaking shocks and water pump. Good luck.

 

[am.mscl]

The 02 GTS is Bumble Bee with 14K miles. The 01 ACR has 7K.
The 02 is negotiated to $2K more then the negotiated 01 ACR price.
The 01 ACR window sticker shows Comfort group addition and the current owner just had it recharged.

 

[All Blue ACR]

Love my 01

 

[Toby]

Not to say it won't or ever happen based on others experiences but...

I have owned two 01 ACR's.

My current 01 ACR doesn't or has ever had leaky shocks or water pump failures.

My other ACR didn't have any issues either.

I don't mind the ride and actually prefer it over a standard GTS.

Like with all things that can kill you if you do something stupid with it; you just have to use a bit more wisdom/maturity when driving the car with the heavier rear springs.

Now since I posted this my water pump will soon fail and all my shocks will blow.

 

[terminator02]

The 02 GTS is Bumble Bee with 14K miles. The 01 ACR has 7K.
The 02 is negotiated to $2K more then the negotiated 01 ACR price.
The 01 ACR window sticker shows Comfort group addition and the current owner just had it recharged.

You got to give more info man. Who can give a good opinion on those facts? Just based on that; ACR no doubt. ACR is rarer and the car has less miles. But we don't know a lot of details about both cars. Colors for both, condition for both, previous owners etc. If you are about to fly out 1200 miles to get a car; then provide as much info as possible; links if possible.

In general, the ACR would be a better option as it is not only rarer, but has some nice upgrades already done (k&n, smooth tubes, bbs wheels, shocks).

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

Agree with Terminator that you need to list alot more about the cars, but you also need to ask a zillion questions of the owners. Would have to disagree that the ACR is much rarer , as they only did around 30+ Yellow Coupes in 02 , and it is much, much rarer than alot of vehicles that year. The funny thing is the Final Edition was the most common car done in 2002, though it was the special model. More information is needed , but one big key is the mileage. Low mileage is a strong selling point on Vipers, as many have not been driven alot -- it is a plus on resale, much like a Ferrari or a Lambo. So alot to look at and the GTS shocks virtually never have any issues.

Pluses and minuses for each , and what are you going to do with the car---cruise, track, car shows, collection???

 

[am.mscl]

2002 Dodge Viper GTS (NOT ACR)
Mileage: 13,262
Body Style: Coupe
Exterior Color: Viper Race Yellow
Interior Color: Black
2nd owner selling car through consignment, replacing new rear tires.
1 of 37 GTS bumble bees
All stock with the exception of the chin scrape guard.
The bumble bee had lifters replaced under warranty due to being to loud for owner. Oil pan gasket replaced.

2001 DODGE VIPER GTS ACR 6700 MILES
Sapphire Blue no stripes 1 of 28
Belanger headers, high flow cats, corsa exhaust, HRE Chrome wheels
No original parts and 4 owner trade to current owner for deckboat.
No original parts with the car.
A/C recharged and new passenger window motor.
Window sticker included.
Water pump issue corrected by Dodge prior to the born date according to Chuck "Viper Wizar" Tator.
No leaks under car currently or when current seller picked up from previous owner.

Have talked to both sellers and gotten Chuck "Viper Wizard" history.
Clean Autocheck/Carfax on both and Clean through Chuck.
Interior and body are excellent condition.

 

[scoobie]

Go with the color you like best.

 

[terminator02]

While I LOVE the ACR color, there are some red flags:
1. Number of previous owners (you would be the fifth so about 2 years average ownership)
2. It is missing the BBS wheels (a major selling point and honestly a great set of wheels). ACRs, in my opinion, have a harder time selling without the BBS wheels.

Lack of original parts isn't a big deal unless you are going for collection, but then it doesn't have the BBS which are huge IMO. It DOES have tasteful mods (great full exhaust setup).

It is so hard to figure out what Rare is, as Bill pointed out. I have a 2000 GTS ACR in solid red. Most people would think that is the most common but my car is 1 of 35 for that model and colour. I think steel gray was #1 colour that year. So "technically" I have a very rare ACR but honestly I would rather have a steel gray.

Now to complicate everything further...Despite the reasons I stated and my hesitations with the ACR, if I had to choose, I would choose the ACR! Why? I love that color, the mods, and am not a big fan of the bumble bee combo.

So ultimately you will have to figure out what you want, why you want it and pull the trigger! Good luck.

 

[01sapphirebob]

2. It is missing the BBS wheels (a major selling point and honestly a great set of wheels). ACRs, in my opinion, have a harder time selling without the BBS wheels.

Lack of original parts isn't a big deal unless you are going for collection, but then it doesn't have the BBS which are huge IMO. It DOES have tasteful mods (great full exhaust setup).

For me one big selling points of the ACR is the BBS rims. Without them to me it just looks like another Viper. Also the lack of having the original parts is a down side (IMO) as well. Nice upgrades on that car but if you ever felt so inclined to return the car to stock you would have to hunt down and purchase parts instead of just being able to switch them out.

 

[HSSSSSS]

I would give you my opinion, but then you may think that I am a little bit biased.

 

[AFL in NJ]

I own an '02 ACR and those Sapphire Blue ACRs are gorgeous....get that car sitting in your driveway (after you detail it) on a sunny day while sipping a beer on your porch and you can't frown....literally try it!!!

I personally know two guys in the club who own '01 Sapphire ACRs and I can't beleive they'd ever sell their car.....so there's really only 26 out there.

Regards,
Aaron

 

[Jance GTS]

It is so hard to figure out what Rare is, as Bill pointed out. I have a 2000 GTS ACR in solid red. Most people would think that is the most common but my car is 1 of 35 for that model and colour.

What color is your interior? I have a solid red with black interior 2000 ACR. I was thinking red/black was only 1 of 39?

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Go with the color you like best.

Yep.

...

 

[eucharistos]

definitely drive whichever one you choose home yourself. could end up being the longest road trip you ever take in it.

 

[Dealmaker]

Sapphire Shimmers !!!!!

 

[46hemi]

I have an 01 ACR and love it.

The Con's
- hot interior
- uncomfortable ride
- very bad mileage
- ACR wheels are a PITA to clean
- Shocks may leak (Mine are fine tho)
- Tires are very expensive
- The brakes squeak a lot
- People stare (I think that happens with non ACR GTS's though to be fair)


Pro's
- Its a Viper GTS
- Its a car made in 2001 that has a radio delete plate
- It came from the factory with 5 point race harness
- The wheels are sweet
- It is a rare GTS

If you like muscle cars then it dosent get much better than that!

 

[terminator02]

What color is your interior? I have a solid red with black interior 2000 ACR. I was thinking red/black was only 1 of 39?

Same as you; red exterior black interior. I think its 1 of 35 though....I could be wrong.