Got 'er a little sideways today

kcobean · Aug 8, 2006

Got \'er a little sideways today

It was a nice day today, not too hot, so I figured I'd get the Viper out and go to lunch (I work out of my home). Making a left turn at a light, not going fast, not giving too much gas and the back end stepped out about 20 degrees. A simple counter-steer and steady throttle and I was on my way, but it happened much easier than I thought it would. I'm wondering if these tires are starting to lose their grip. They're the original 2001 tires as far as I can tell. Think they might be starting to dry out? How long is a set of these tires good for before they start to lose their performance?

ViperJohn · Aug 8, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

When I was behind you I thought your rear tires looked a little worn down. But reading your rear plate, "No Tread" may have been influencing my eyes.

Depending on the miles and whether the car had been tracked previously, you may need new rears.

(Putting the tires through heat cycles on the track hardens them quicker)

Lee00blacksilverGTS · Aug 8, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

John is correct, but be careful it DOES let loose quick if not pointed in a straight line, even with new rubber. Hence all the advice to the new guys about not getting on it till it's pointed straight. Sounds like you know what you are doing though.

Bonkers · Aug 8, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

kcobean - We call it a "Snake Bite." Congrats on not taking into a ditch.

The viper is inherently designed to be unstable - its what makes it handle so well in corners. The trouble is driving at speed is like putting a leash on a siberian tiger and taking it out for a walk. You must -always- be ready for that rear to slip out. I think its the reason most posers don't stick with the car for very long - it does take 100% attention at all times and most don't like to put that kind of effort into driving.

The worst is when you're driving on flat, dry, level highway and the rear gets itself unplanted (from sand, a bump, whatever.)

roofum · Aug 9, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

what you have to do is sell the car/.please slap your self for asking stupid Qs
please refrain .sell the car to a half a f=g let some one who will not axe the the ******** Qs.FUFN

kcobean · Aug 9, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

When I was behind you I thought your rear tires looked a little worn down. But reading your rear plate, "No Tread" may have been influencing my eyes.

Depending on the miles and whether the car had been tracked previously, you may need new rears.

(Putting the tires through heat cycles on the track hardens them quicker)

Does the "Penny test" apply to tires on the Viper for measuring tread depth? I'm with you that these may be getting a bit thin. (The "NO TREAD" plate is actually a double meaning given that it's a snake

).

I have no history on whether the car has been tracked or not, unfortunately.

The other thing is that I was still relatively close to home when this happened, so the tires probably weren't up to temperature yet. How long does it typically take for these monsters to get warm.

kcobean · Aug 9, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

what you have to do is sell the car/.please slap your self for asking stupid Qs
please refrain .sell the car to a half a f=g let some one who will not axe the the ******** Qs.FUFN

Have you taken your medication today? ******** is setting in.

BradH · Aug 9, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

^ What he said

Bob K · Aug 9, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

I have many Viper miles under my belt including track time and a little drag racing, but the same thing happened to me a month ago. There is a winding slightly uphill road leading to my home and I always get on the Viper pretty heavy when traversing it. This time, as I shifted into 2nd, I went sideways about 45 degrees in a hurry. It caught me by surprise but I was able to corect out of it with no problem. I'm just glad I wasn't meeting another car at the time. I think about it now every time I do the run, but I still do it!

Bob K

Batboy · Aug 9, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

Kelley, Some of us do that on purpose!

Do I need to re-introduce you to Chris? Anyway, check your front brake calipers. If the word "Viper" is yellowish or brown then most likely your car has been tracked. I didn't notice the other day. I can send you a pic of mine if you're unsure. I've tracked mine twice and it nice and white to almost brown.

Topawam · Aug 9, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

... Some of us do that on purpose! ...

+1, You got to love it :headbang:

plus It is a good training :2tu:

ViperJohn · Aug 9, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

When I was behind you I thought your rear tires looked a little worn down. But reading your rear plate, "No Tread" may have been influencing my eyes.

Depending on the miles and whether the car had been tracked previously, you may need new rears.

(Putting the tires through heat cycles on the track hardens them quicker)

Click to expand...

Does the "Penny test" apply to tires on the Viper for measuring tread depth? I'm with you that these may be getting a bit thin. (The "NO TREAD" plate is actually a double meaning given that it's a snake ).

I have no history on whether the car has been tracked or not, unfortunately.

The other thing is that I was still relatively close to home when this happened, so the tires probably weren't up to temperature yet. How long does it typically take for these monsters to get warm.

The penny test will only give you tread depth. It will not indicate whether or not the tire composition is degrading.

You mentioned it happened close to home, it is possible the tires were still cold. Another common cause for Viper accidents. Make sure you have driven the car for 5 to 10 minutes before going "balls to the wall" with it.

ViperJames · Aug 9, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

Technically Michelin Tires are really good for 3-4 years before they are considered to "expire" from the factory, or rather that their optimum performance has passed their window. Make sure you let the tires heat up nice before getting on the throttle. A good 5-10 minutes of driving, and the grip will improved 10 fold. Everyone who puts new tires on their viper says they can't beleive the grip difference. May be something to consider! But then again I bought my Viper so I COULD get sideways out of my driveway!!! :headbang:

AG98RT10 · Aug 9, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

Yep, it'll bite with no warning. When I first got my snake, I had the rear start rotating to the right on a second-to-third redline shift at around 80 mph on a dark country road. Tigthened me up, to say the least. There was a small rise in the road and that unsettled the rear enough to have it step out. I corrected it (barely), but ordered Kumhos the next day. With a 3.73 rear axle and a few HP mods, it doesn't take much!
Not sure if Kumhos are even available anymore (Ecsta V700), but I'd definitely get some street-legal racing compounds on the rears, at least, unless you have a very deft touch with the right foot.
Another alternate if you don't want super sticky rubber would be the new Michelin Pilot Sport II that are now available in 17 inch rears, I read somewhere. They're pretty sticky, though not nearly as much so as the Kumhos.

Mr Hemi Head · Aug 9, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

Kelly while you are switching to new rubber you should replace those terrible ACR wheels and sell them to me LOL.

I had it sideways launching from a traffic light a few times, scared the :nono:

out of me and those nearby. Felt like an ASP doing that. The date code on my tires reads the 45th week of 2000. Looks like I'm due for a change as well.

kcobean · Aug 9, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

Kelly while you are changing to new rubber you should switch to aftermarket wheels and then sell me yours LOL.

LOL...I don't think so!!!

Seriously though, as you know first hand, while I'm getting new rubber, I really should take the wheels to Ye Ole Wheel Shop in MD and get all the curb rash that the previous owner put on them repaired. These things are beat up.

Oh, and your tires seemed to grab just fine on the quick drive you took me on...that was intense!

FlyBryViper · Aug 9, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

How long is a set of these tires good for before they start to lose their performance?
8 - 10 heat cycles, depending on your lap times.

How long does it typically take for these monsters to get warm.
1 lap at approx. 75%

I have no idea on the street!

Yellow32 · Aug 9, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

When something like that happens to me the first thing I check is the Tire Pressure.

Usually it is too low and that's the cause, after all, if there is not enough air in the tires the rubber is just not enough to keep you straight.

For those Michelins I would recommend 30psi as a minimum per corner for street use, personally I would have them at 32 or 34.

If they are below 27psi when you check them (cold temps that is, always check the tire pressure first thing in the morning, never right after driving or while the tires are baking in the sun) then you know that had a lot to do with the sliding adventure.

-J

Z06reformed · Aug 9, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

Kcobean,In that situation,apply more throttle and ride it on out to second gear!Like you meant to do it-as long as no other cars in the way of course.LOL

motor602 · Aug 10, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

Z06 hit it right on the head.

honestly though, even though tread depth may be in spec. is there any point at which you should definately get new rubber? im asking because im about to track the car for the first time at pocono and i dont want to take any chances. tires are 5 years old with 11,000 mild miles on them.

sorry for the attempted coup d'post by the way...

kcobean · Aug 10, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

^ No, it's all good...It sounds to me like you're about in the same boat I'm in (our tires are probably not more than a few months apart in age). I think if I were you, I'd get 'em good and hot and finish this set off at the track and then replace 'em shortly thereafter.

vprdude · Aug 25, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

I had the pleasure of some fantastic sliding out of the second gear with 18PSI on the right and 29PSI on the left (in the back of course). These days it's all about taming the beast...

Nadine UK GTS · Aug 25, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

Hi Kelly,

Congrats, and nice...if you got a little sideways but controlled it, go do some more...nice grin factor, just be careful of unsuspecting public!

Remember...smokin can be addictive!

PDCjonny · Aug 25, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

And make sure you check the "born on" date on the NEW tires. If they have been sitting around in some warehouse for a year or more they already have that age on them even though they are "new".

V 10 MAFIA · Aug 26, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

2001 tires are DEAD!

RoadiJeff · Aug 26, 2006

Re: Got \'er a little sideways today

2001 tires are DEAD!

I guess that means the original ones on my '99 are probably not any better.

Got 'er a little sideways today

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