Question from a new Viper owner

[georgethedog]

I recently bought my first Viper. I really like it and plan on keeping it for a long time. I am a Mopar guy from the 70's and I have had 4 Chargers and 1 Super Bee over the years. I decided I wanted to get something newer for a myriad of reasons. Anyway, the most I ever did to these cars was a better carb and exhaust, but I kept them stock because I really loved the stock look and feel even though I knew the guy down the road with the Camaro could beat me because he did major modifications. But, I always reminded him that he NEEDED those modifications to beat me! My question to you guys is this: if you think the car is so great, why make so many modifications? Most of the threads are about "how can I change my Viper"? If it needs so much changing, maybe it isn't as great as everyone thinks... (If you race it that is a different story and no need to repsond as I understand your reasons). Curious...

 

[dave6666]

I recently bought my first Viper. I really like it and plan on keeping it for a long time. I am a Mopar guy from the 70's and I have had 4 Chargers and 1 Super Bee over the years. I decided I wanted to get something newer for a myriad of reasons. Anyway, the most I ever did to these cars was a better carb and exhaust, but I kept them stock because I really loved the stock look and feel even though I knew the guy down the road with the Camaro could beat me because he did major modifications. But, I always reminded him that he NEEDED those modifications to beat me! My question to you guys is this: if you think the car is so great, why make so many modifications? Most of the threads are about "how can I change my Viper"? If it needs so much changing, maybe it isn't as great as everyone thinks... (If you race it that is a different story and no need to repsond as I understand your reasons). Curious...

I will have to excuse you from the list of people that are considered "car guys" because you asked the question I hi-lighted above. We'll call you a "sport driver."

By the way, the answer is below...

We do it because we can.

We did it to our 10 speeds, we'll do it to our wheelchairs to.

 

[georgethedog]

I will have to excuse you from the list of people that are considered "car guys" because you asked the question I hi-lighted above. We'll call you a "sport driver."

By the way, the answer is below...

We do it because we can.

We did it to our 10 speeds, we'll do it to our wheelchairs to.

Apparently, I have been downgraded to something you call a "sport driver". So, am I some kind of second-class citizen? By the way, your last word needs "2" o's to spell too.

 

[Camfab]

Different strokes for different folks. Once a hot rodder, always a hot rodder. I tried to keep it stock, but my tinkering side wanted to get into the car. I think my ACR is a great car, but there is always room for refinement and personalizing. That's what makes me happy. If you like to keep things stock, all the better for the next owner and resale value.

 

[ViperGTS]

no need to change for a street car - except the sound (exhaust) and it helps to cool down also.

if you go racing its another story (brakes, cooling system, safety, ...) - but most guys here do not race, except Chuck

 

[dave6666]

Apparently, I have been downgraded to something you call a "sport driver". So, am I some kind of second-class citizen? By the way, your last word needs "2" o's to spell too.

I said nothing about you being second class, did I?

And if you're wanting to be the VCA forum spell & grammar check nanny, you've got a busy day ahead.

 

[Red Snake]

Have you ever driven a supercharged, turbo'd or N/A built engine Viper? If you have then you probably already understand why. If you haven't, well then there's your answer.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

no need to change for a street car - except the sound (exhaust) and it helps to cool down also.

if you go racing its another story (brakes, cooling system, safety, ...) - but most guys here do not race, except Chuck

LOL There are a lot of Viper trackers and racers. I just post here more.

I added smoothies and removed the muffler on my street driven RT/10.

The GTS has mods but not many HP mods. It still has the stock headers but only because the aftermarket prices are as much as a set of Hoosiers.

Dodge builds a great car but like all manufacturers they are limited to government regulations. A few tweaks and bolt-ons aren't a bad thing.

 

[georgethedog]

I said nothing about you being second class, did I?

And if you're wanting to be the VCA forum spell & grammar check nanny, you've got a busy day ahead.

The tone of your reply implied second class owner. Please define "car guy" and "sport driver" in order for me to understand.

The most enjoyable things I ever did in any of my past muscle cars were in the back seat with the car shut off. Unfortunately, I will never reach that level of pleasure in my Viper no matter how many modifications I do to it! So maybe I am not even a sport driver...

 

[DEKE01]

The most enjoyable things I ever did in any of my past muscle cars were in the back seat with the car shut off. Unfortunately, I will never reach that level of pleasure in my Viper no matter how many modifications I do to it! So maybe I am not even a sport driver...

I understand where you're going with that. Now what you need to understand is that having a drop top opens up all sorts of options for enjoying your car.

 

[georgethedog]

I understand where you're going with that. Now what you need to understand is that having a drop top opens up all sorts of options for enjoying your car.

I better make that "Center console" upgrade listed in the member's section. Standing... ummm...

 

[chimazo]

I never understand people who don't modify their performance car. Unless it's some sort of trailer queen collectible, any true enthusiast (IMO) wants MORE power, speed, braking, handling, etc.

No putdowns or name calling, but a gearhead mods their car, whether it's a Supra, Viper, 'vette, Evo, whatever. It's a way to learn more about the car (especially if you do the work), it's a reflection of yourself, and who wants the same car as the next guy (even among relatively rare autos)?

Even more important, though there is always someone faster, I don't want my Viper to be slower than a modded import, and I don't want to be embarrassed when a Cobra, GT500, Corvette, Suby STI, etc., wants to run.

Just my $0.02!

 

[Nine Ball]

I'll give an honest, respectful answer here.

I bought my Viper because it looks stunning and is very unique out on the roads when I'm enjoying it. I choose to modify it because it is too slow for my tastes. I've been driving 500+ rwhp cars for almost 10 years straight as daily-drivers, so I suppose my butt is numb with a stock slow Viper.

Be careful if you ever do decide to modify that Viper, it is very addicting at any age. They make station wagons and economy cars that can run past an older Viper now. Keep up with the times!

 

[yogibayer]

So far I have left mine stock. I guess the reason is that I am a purist when it comes to classic cars and I consider the Gen1/2 Viper a classic already. I have always looked at heavily modded classic cars from the 60s and feel that they have ruined a classic car. So I keep it stock out of respect for the car and history.

That doesn't mean I treat it like a garage queen though. I know these cars need to be driven and I get out there and drive mine as much as possible and will race it more this year than last year.

 

[georgethedog]

Thanks for everyone's replies! That was fun. Everyone does their own thing... that is cool to me.

 

[Madduc]

How did Dave know I modded my 10 speed??

 

[dragon rider]

For many of us, modifying a car is a matter of taste and most of all $$$$$. If I had lots of $$$, I would have a 1000 hp twin turbo as a daily driver. Then jump into my stock one when the other is in the shop getting work done. In my case, I can only afford bolt-ons. Keeping it simple and affordable works best for me, but I have to personalize my car in some sort of way.