Is the '06 THAT different from the '08 in overall feel?

treesnake

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I drove an 08 at VOI on the autoX track etc...

My 06 with;
-Quaiffe
-Motons
-Sport Cup tires
-Eurotechs with Hawk pads
-shifter
-Paxton (possibly a TT coming...)

Will "eat" an '08 for lunch...Period...:D

Serpent_006.jpg
 

1BADGTS

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I drove an 08 at VOI on the autoX track etc...

My 06 with;
-Quaiffe
-Motons
-Sport Cup tires
-Eurotechs with Hawk pads
-shifter
-Paxton (possibly a TT coming...)

Will "eat" an '08 for lunch...Period...:D

Serpent_006.jpg
I believe the purpose of the thread though was to compare a stock 06 verses a stock 08.
 

treesnake

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I believe the purpose of the thread though was to compare a stock 06 verses a stock 08.

My apology. You are absolutely correct... the first sentence of the opening post states "performance aside"

I stated my reasons for deciding to buy an 06 over an 08. I went back and forth trying to decide, performance, price etc.
 

ACRBruce

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My apology. You are absolutely correct... the first sentence of the opening post states "performance aside"

I stated my reasons for deciding to buy an 06 over an 08. I went back and forth trying to decide, performance, price etc.

How can we NOT factor performance in the equation when deciding which Viper to get? Isn't Viper all about performance in the first place. Only if we were to decide which daily driver to get, then we can say "performance aside".
 

1BADGTS

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I have owned all 4 gen of Viper and i have to tell you it is VERY DIFFICULT to put the performance aspect aside in comparing a GEN 3 and a Gen 4. Yes the 4 is more refined ,shifts better ,sticker tires ,better rear end but to me at least thats window dressing when it comes to putting your foot on the gas as a GEN 4 is a 10 second street car with a full warranty right out of the box.Is it that much faster than a GEN 3 YES .One other thing if your not experienced enough to handle a GEN 4 (ESP IN COLD WEATHER )look out as its really comes on the cam above 4000 rpm.
You truely can not put the performance aspect aside
 

VENOMAHOLIC

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To mod or not is actually the main factor in choosing an 06 or an 08 IMHO because bone stock vs bone stock the 08 wins hands down even with the price difference.
 

Boxer12

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Looking at it purely from a financial standpoint, most people would agree, you will lose a lot more in depreciation if you buy an 08.
 
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Mopar426

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How can we NOT factor performance in the equation when deciding which Viper to get? Isn't Viper all about performance in the first place. Only if we were to decide which daily driver to get, then we can say "performance aside".


Point is you can always ADD power, I was curious about the suspension, rear, etc of the cars. Of course everyone would say "Get the '08" because of the horsepower advantage if I wouldn't have stated otherwise.
 

dwhitt

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Totaled my '08 coupe and went with an '06 coupe as a replacement - $27,000 cheaper with just 3,600 miles on the '06 - to 99% of the folks on the road the '06 looks just like an '08 (both get tons of looks) - I figure I can keep this one in the road too with 90 less HP - very happy with my '06 coupe
 

Nader

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I think the basis of this conclusion is whether you will modify the car. Stock for stock, the 08 is better - more power, better tranny, better rear, cooler exhaust. However if you plan on modifying the car, a cheap, low mile 03-06 is the way to go. They are extremely durable and can handle huge power gains. Most importantly they can be tuned to the modifications.

I look at it this way -

$50,000 03-06 low mile used
$4,500 Suspension
$2,500 Quaife
$1,500 Exhaust
$11,000 Paxton or Roe

That puts you at $69,500. Say you wanted the 08 look. Throw in another $1,800 for the hood.

You are still way under the price of an 08.

I considered an 08 for about 3 minutes and 37 seconds. It just doesn't make sense to me. The only place i am lacking is power. I am putting 480hp to the wheels which isn't bad but I plan on a blower at some point.

Last point - I am not a fan of throttle by wire. I have seen posts about the lag and deal with it every day in my 550 mercedes. It is evident.

I think the 06 car is the last of the conventional engine configuration. The 08 did away with the throttle cable and the conventional V10. While it was for the benefit of more power and to meet current regulations, it took something away from the Viper.
 

SilveRT8

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I think the basis of this conclusion is whether you will modify the car. Stock for stock, the 08 is better - more power, better tranny, better rear, cooler exhaust. However if you plan on modifying the car, a cheap, low mile 03-06 is the way to go. They are extremely durable and can handle huge power gains. Most importantly they can be tuned to the modifications.

I look at it this way -

$50,000 03-06 low mile used
$4,500 Suspension
$2,500 Quaife
$1,500 Exhaust
$11,000 Paxton or Roe

That puts you at $69,500. Say you wanted the 08 look. Throw in another $1,800 for the hood.

You are still way under the price of an 08.

I considered an 08 for about 3 minutes and 37 seconds. It just doesn't make sense to me. The only place i am lacking is power. I am putting 480hp to the wheels which isn't bad but I plan on a blower at some point.

Last point - I am not a fan of throttle by wire. I have seen posts about the lag and deal with it every day in my 550 mercedes. It is evident.

I think the 06 car is the last of the conventional engine configuration. The 08 did away with the throttle cable and the conventional V10. While it was for the benefit of more power and to meet current regulations, it took something away from the Viper.

Very well said,
Claude
 

1BADGTS

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They are few and far between at that price, hell most are still trying to get $80K+ for a low mile '08.
Your above assumptopn is totally INCORRECT as i will sell you my mint 1400 mile 2008 Venom Red roadster for somewhere in the high 60s .Please make me an offer.Thanks Joe.
 

1BADGTS

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I think the basis of this conclusion is whether you will modify the car. Stock for stock, the 08 is better - more power, better tranny, better rear, cooler exhaust. However if you plan on modifying the car, a cheap, low mile 03-06 is the way to go. They are extremely durable and can handle huge power gains. Most importantly they can be tuned to the modifications.

I look at it this way -

$50,000 03-06 low mile used
$4,500 Suspension
$2,500 Quaife
$1,500 Exhaust
$11,000 Paxton or Roe

That puts you at $69,500. Say you wanted the 08 look. Throw in another $1,800 for the hood.

You are still way under the price of an 08.

I considered an 08 for about 3 minutes and 37 seconds. It just doesn't make sense to me. The only place i am lacking is power. I am putting 480hp to the wheels which isn't bad but I plan on a blower at some point.

Last point - I am not a fan of throttle by wire. I have seen posts about the lag and deal with it every day in my 550 mercedes. It is evident.

I think the 06 car is the last of the conventional engine configuration. The 08 did away with the throttle cable and the conventional V10. While it was for the benefit of more power and to meet current regulations, it took something away from the Viper.
I underwhat you saying but why spend 68000 on a 06 with no warranty that if you have to seel it will bring low 50s (lose all the money on the mods you put in )when you can buy a fully warrantied low mile 08 for 68000.00.Rember there is no add on in any book value for mods.
 

1BADGTS

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PS basically you want to spend 19000.00 on mods you will never get back on a car without a warranty.
 

Lee00blacksilverGTS

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Your above assumptopn is totally INCORRECT as i will sell you my mint 1400 mile 2008 Venom Red roadster for somewhere in the high 60s .Please make me an offer.Thanks Joe.

Actually he is correct as he said "few and far between" You are the only one we have heard of offering your car for what I would call, no insult intended, stupid money.
 

Nine Ball

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PS basically you want to spend 19000.00 on mods you will never get back on a car without a warranty.

I suggest you read up on the laws regarding warranty vs modifications. Legally, a dealership cannot void your warranty based on modifications. They can only deny you warranty work if they can prove that something failed because of the modification you installed.

So, if your radio or gauges stop working, they cannot prove the supercharger caused this. Etc...

SEMA SAN - SEMA ACTION NETWORK
 

1BADGTS

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I suggest you read up on the laws regarding warranty vs modifications. Legally, a dealership cannot void your warranty based on modifications. They can only deny you warranty work if they can prove that something failed because of the modification you installed.

So, if your radio or gauges stop working, they cannot prove the supercharger caused this. Etc...

SEMA SAN - SEMA ACTION NETWORK
I understand what your saying on things like gauges but on an engine ,driveline or tranny in the past claims were denied (whether true or not )on the basis that the add on power adder put extra strain on the part that broke .Today its even worse (MJorgenson Sevice Manager-Woodhouse just yesterday posted under the topic of warranty on modded Vipers )warrantys today can be totally voided if ANY aftermarket part is added to a Viper.If so the customer (of coarse )can choose to hire a lawyer to fight the matter-but thats more costly than the warrantys worth.
 

1BADGTS

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PS check out what he wrote (Jorgenson )its under the topic -Is getting Maxcare worth it on A Modded Viper.
 

Bobpantax

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I believe that Mark was suggesting that they could try to void it and that due to the tough economic times the manufacturers were taking a strict constructionist view of warranties. But, they cannot lawfully void it as to parts not affected by the mods. The cost of the warranty is included in the price of the car. If they get too aggressive with enforcement, they will start losing even more sales - especially in the performance car market. With that said, modifying a car under warranty has always had certain economic risks attached to it. Those risks are just part of the data that each person considering mods needs to consider before doing the mods. It is also why it is very important to only do mods with a proven track record or an upgrade to a newer model year part.

For instance, the stock Paxton kit for Gen IIIs is tried and true when installed by an experienced outfit like Woodhouse. ( A FIVE STAR DODGE DEALER AND ONE OF THE LARGEST VIPER DEALERS IN THE WORLD.) I have a bit over 13,000 miles on mine and it has been like an OEM application from the getgo. The key is to have mods done by someone who has extensive experience with the mods, a deep and broad knowledge of Vipers, a good relationship with the SRT engineers, and who is likely to be there in the future. The Service from Woodhouse is phenominal. When necessary, Mark even coordinates by cell phone with my local people who are also very good.

It really comes down to how much someone is willing to pay for the fun or thrill of having and driving a car that exceeds the performance envelope of most cars including those costing many times more than a modded '06.
 

1BADGTS

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If you read the fine print it states that a warranty can be voided IF ANY aftermarket parts are added.To me that says it all.All in all the personA doing the mods is taking a chance .If the claim is denied the customer can fight it with a lawyer (costs money )As far as resale the odds are against the warranty being able to transfer to a new owner if mods are involved.Guys the entire fact here is going to a mod friendly dealer.Alot of people dont have that luxury ESPECIALLY if a car is bought out of state.Last year a friend of mine bought a Z06 from a dealer hours from his house My buddy did a few mods (top end package )and the tranny went.Instead of driving hours he went to his local town dealer who laughed after seeing the mods typical answer=the tranny went from the added power of the mods claim denied.Warranty flagged.He called his lawyer (another friend of ours )who told him flat out it will cost you more to fight it with me than the warrantys worth and you still may lose in court.
 

1BADGTS

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Bob i have to ask this since your an attorney if i came to you with a case involving a warranty claim being denied on an engine ,tranny or rear end because of an AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER ADDED power adder would you take the case on contengesy of winning?
 

Bobpantax

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1. I do not practice in that area.

2. If I did, it would depend on the facts of the particular case. For instance, if the mods were proven mods that had been endorsed by implication in an article or two in the Viper Quarterly magazine and installed by an experienced dealer like Woodhouse, I might consider it. However, since there is no dollar recovery in this kind of case - just a determination that the warranty work should be done - a contingency would not make sense anyway because there is no fund to pay the fee out of.


Those that do not have the funds to pay for replacement parts and labor really should stay away from modding. In addition to the possible warranty coverage issues you raise, the future of Chrysler and GM is anything but certain. And, to my knowledge, the government does not have a Warranty Resolution Trust Corporation to handle the warranties issued by bankrupt automobile companies.
 

Coloviper

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Here is where you guys are getting hung up. If he buys an unmolested Viper that has the balance of factory warranty or has the top of the line MaxCare 7 yr, 100,000 mile warranty, $0 deductible, than there is a warranty. This is his first Viper for him, thus 510 HP will be enough for the first few years. After that he can mod it as he pleases, there will be no warranty. An 08 with standard warranty will be out of warranty in a couple of years too. Mod it (If you can beyond exhaust)and there will be no warranty either. The 06 is more mod friendly for boosting, etc. If if there was a kit for the 08, the compression ratio is NOT boost friendly at 10.2 or whatever it is.

All in all it is always better to have factory untouch hp in a vehicle, always! However to walk into your first Viper ever, why swing for the fence and drop the big *** of cash. Ease into in (buy an 06' save $25K) and see if you like it. It took me over 2 years to fall "in love" with my Viper. It was just that different of a car from what else is out there.

In the end, he can't go wrong with either car. Just buy one without mods. That is always your best bet!
 

Lee00blacksilverGTS

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And, to my knowledge, the government does not have a Warranty Resolution Trust Corporation to handle the warranties issued by bankrupt automobile companies.

Am I the only one to find this post funny in light of the current bailouts? Bob, if you had made it to VOI we would have awarded you the "Dry Humor Award."
 

Mopar Boy

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No, I got a good laugh out of it too!:D

I was feeling kinda bad though that I thought it was funny due to the current automotive situation. Granted, I did not want to be the first one to say it!;)

Nice one Bob!

Robert
 

Bobpantax

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And, to my knowledge, the government does not have a Warranty Resolution Trust Corporation to handle the warranties issued by bankrupt automobile companies.

Am I the only one to find this post funny in light of the current bailouts? Bob, if you had made it to VOI we would have awarded you the "Dry Humor Award."

And I would have been honored to accept such an award as long as it was issued in a wet environment. Although I suppose that Depends.
 

crayne hurst

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Got a new viper to add to the other gals.Does anyone know the part # for a vert with the aero group.You know new car new cover,I know a srt just wont cover the wing.
Thanks, Crayne.
 

JonB

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CALLING OUT MoPAR426: What did you decide? All this DRAMA, any Decision?

HE SAID: "PERFORMANCE ASIDE"
HE SAID: "I know the updates in terms of engine, clutch feel, etc "
AND THEN: "that much better overall to justify the big price difference?"
HE ASKED: "am I making a mistake by purchasing a '06 over an '08?

Paying CLOSE ATTENTION to your QUALIFICATIONS AND parameters above, my 'experienced' answer is this: NO. NOT a "MISTAKE." You seem like an "informed" buyer.

(I just drove Doris' 08 again yesterday.) If you are not SEEKING 100hp AND USING THE 2008 at PERFORMANCE LIMITS you are pretty much unable to tell the difference vs 2006, unless you KNOW the difference. I CAN tell......but a steal on a babied '06 would tip the scale...

Caveat: Ditch the RUN FLATS on 06 before they ditch you....

Either way: YOU'LL FINALLY OWN A VIPER !!!!! Good luck. Call for more....
 

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