Stock Stereo System: thumbs up/down?

[YellowSnake]

I was wondering how the stock stereo system performs. I have been in/seen Vipers, but never really concerned myself with their stereo. Now that I am getting one I was wondering how they sound.

Any opinoins?

And, if you upgrade your stereo to one with amps and additional speakers...
Does that compromise the (1/4 mile) performance of the vehicle?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Matt]

I think most people would say it is a bit lacking.

However, being a fellow RT/10 owner, I would have to say it doesn't really bother me. I have headers and an aftermarket exhaust and the sound is just too sweet. It took me several weeks to even turn the radio on for the first time. I was going to upgrade it since my other car has a substantial system installed, but I now feel the benefit would be minimal for the expense and work. The open cockpit and subwoofer placement are also pretty big hinderences for a quality set-up. Just my $0.02

Matt

 

[Vip-RT10]

They could have put in a better deck that's for sure. I just changed my deck to an Alpine CDA 7863. It makes a noticeable difference. I left the stock speakers in and may change them down the line, but they are good for now. Just remember not to have them bottom out on the bass. It will not have any effect on the performance on the 1/4, that's my opinion. Hurry up and get a Viper!

 

[JonB]

What? A STEREO? You mean to say the Viper
has 450HP, 490LBFt and a STEREO?What a car......

I must remember to try mine out.
I knew about the AM radio, but Ive been stuffing a radar
detector cord in that other slot.

 

[bad viper]

Does upgrading the stereo effect 1/4 mile performance??????????????
Only if you listening to it and miss a Shift!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

I'm with JonB and Wayne on this one. Bad stereo, so what.

 

[LTHL VPR]

I have been quite a car stereo afficiado over the years.
The stock stereo is actually fairly decent for a sports car. I have certainly seen worse.
Now....that being said, I have transformed mine into something unique!

The first question you should ask yourself is: What are you trying to acheive in a car stereo? Sounnd quality, quantity, options, functionality, capability.

If you are going to upgrade your system, things to consider:
If you replace the head unit, you need to replace the amp (run new wires, etc..most interior panels need to get taken off.) Now if you replace these 2 major components then you would be foolish not to replace the speakers which are the weaker stuff of the stock system. And if you replace the speakers....guess what? Yuo will need to replace the speaker wiring as well. Trying everything in the past, I can tell you that I learned early on that this is the best way to upgrade. After that, the skies the limit.

Here is what I have done in my 2001 ACR: Some say I am crazy, I like to call it different:
7" swivel widescreen; highest resolution on the market
Minidisc head unit with voice control, remote control, and DSP
10 disc CD changer
2 amps....over 1000 watts
8 speakers: 1 center, 2 tweeters in the door, 2 mids in the door, 2 coaxials in cargo cover, and 1 12" subwoofer
NOW IT"S GET TRICK....
DVD with optical outputs
Dolby Digital 5.1 processor and another DSP
Sega Dreamcast with wireless remote controls
Sony projection Glasses that allow you to play games in Vitual Reality and watch DVDs as well (or you can use the screen in the car)

Now the real Kicker is that I have installed and mounted everything without any drilling, cutting, or modifying on the interior. I can take everything out easily and I haven't even really compromised the trunk (still have the spare and sub removes in less than 10 seconds)!!!?#*???

 

[Vip-RT10]

That is phenoninal LTHL VPR.......I could never do that....
The F50 doesn't even have any space for a radio, amp, or speakers...the stereo is 620 HP in a V-12 right behind your head...LOL

 

[YellowSnake]

Thanks for the replies. Obviously I am interested in the vehicle for its performance characteristics, as all Viper owners are. The stereo question is just out of the pursuit of having the best in everything. I plan on putting in headers/hi-flow cats/and a cat-back, so I wanted to be certain I would hear the stereo when I wanted to.

"LTHL VPR, Vip-RT10, and wtbaseal">> thanks for the input, sounds like each of you found what best suits your needs.

As far as the performance (1/4mile) question, I once heard (at www.camaroz28.com) that if you add to many stereo components (subs/amps/speakers/additional battery) that it negatively affects the alternator and ***** juice away from performance (even when off). I was wondering if this is true because I know people use pullies to be more efficient electrically and some say this adds horsepower. So I was wondering if inefficient electrical use may decrease HP.

Thanks all, for the input, and the laughs!


<FONT COLOR="#ff0000" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">This message has been edited by YellowSnake on April 13, 2001 at 12:16</font>

 

[Brian Denham]

Mine was crap plain and simple. I have been into car stereos for almost 2 decades. From the factory mine had the worst alternator whine I have ever heard. 4 trips to my viper tech, new alternator, new head unit 2 times, amp control module(never even heard of that?) and it still was not fixed. I spoke to the GM of the dealership and he let me take it to an audio shop of my choosing and get the factory head unit, amp and wiring replaced on their tab! I did that and then went a bit more overboard with my own funds. I found a great local shop with a fellow viper owner as the shop owner. They did great work and we came up with The Worlds Loudest Viper Im not sure if it affects 1/4 mile times, but I figured that the car was fast enough for me. Listening to my favorite cd's while driving is what gives me the most enjoyable experience in my snake. I would not change what I did in order to gain .2 seconds through the 1/4. Email me if you have any other questions!

 

[Vip-RT10]

Sounds like you guys went all out on getting a good system. I just wanted to listen to some tunes while cruizing, that was all. Stereo for me is an option. If it's too loud for me, then I can't listen to the engine and to see if it has any problems that I can localize. Otherwize, I turn it on when I putz around.

No problem YellowSnake, glad to give input.....

 

[YellowSnake]

Thanks again for more great replys! Great info.