UH, OH! What have I done!

[treynor]

Ooooh, you're going to love it! There is simply no comparison with a Z3.

One person can certainly install/remove the softtop. I assume, however, you're buying the hardtop as well? That can also be installed / removed (with care) but will NOT fit in the car during a drive, so you'll have to ship or otherwise transport it, or leave it on the car for the whole trip...

Congrats, and welcome to the club!

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Yes, one person can remove the soft top easily. More difficult is installing. I've got it down to about 45 minutes <--sarcasm. Seriously, putting it together can be a drag.

The hardtop can also be installed and removed by one person but that person probably needs to be about 6 feet tall or so.

When installing and removing either top I would place some towels along the windshield frame. The paint gets scratched easily.

 

[Ron Hickey]

Congratulations! You will love it! Just a few tips:

<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>Break-in on a new engine is 1000 miles (2000-01 model year). Avoid wide open throttle until completely broken in. Avoid driving at a sustained RPM; vary RPM's constantly. (Not really conducive to a cross-country break-in cruise; best to put the break-in behind you before driving back to NY.) For first 200 miles, stay below 2500 rpm; for 201-400 miles, stay below 3500 rpm; 401-600 miles, below 4000; 601-800, below 4500; 801-1000, below 5000 rpm. Deviate from this schedule at your own risk.
<LI>In the first 1000 miles, oil consumption may be higher than normal; check the oil every time you stop for gas. (When the dipstick says Add, it's 2 quarts low.)
<LI>Your Viper has considerably more torque than your Z3, possibly more than any vehicle you've ever driven. The vehicular mortality rate of Vipers is highest in the first month of ownership. Make sure you've got the front wheels pointed straight ahead before you jump on the throttle.
<LI>Read owner's manual and watch video tape. (These items can be found behind the driver's seat).
<LI>Have fun! (It's almost impossible not to!)
[/list]

 

[ntmatter]

Don't worry about the money, seriously. Life is not a dress rehearsal.

A

 

[rae661]

After owning a 2001 RT/10 for the last 3 months all I can say is ... I wish I was in your shoes. I would so like to have a cross country trek planned. The car is wonderful and would love to travel. The 30 minute trip to work on the local HWY seems to take only seconds, while in my Ford 150, seems to take hours. To have days driving endless HWY would be a dream come true.
The soft top can be troublesome but you get used to it. I am slightly under 6' and have no trouble putting on or taking off the unit. Although I always carry a piece of vinyl to put down to rest the soft top on while either putting or taking off--keeps it off the dirty ground.

Good luck on the x-country run--wish I was there.

Later

Bob

'01 Sapphire Blue
'00 Lincoln Navigator
'99 Ford 150
'98 VFR 800

 

[Afy]

Be careful, the car can get away from you very quickly..
Take the braking easy for the first 250 miles or so to allow the discs to temper.

Also vary thethrottle a lot.. it ensures a better break in.
Have fun and welcome to the family..

 

[red98GTS]

My advice:
1. Don't let the dealership "wash" your new car on their wash rack no matter what.
2. Change the oil and filter immediately upon returning...use Mobil 1 oil & filter.
3. Do your own polish job with you-know-what.
4. Vary rpm on the trip back and take it easy. Plenty of time to hammer it later.

pete the ex-glass guy