Breaking in a Gen IV

Hello all,

I gave a deposit on a new 2008 coupe and expect to pick it up in about two weeks. It's located about 600 miles away.
The drive back to where I live is spectacular and through the Rockies for the most part, and I would love to drive it back versus shipping it.
Need advise on a couple of things:

1 - I have driven a bunch of sports cars over the years some high performance but none like a Viper. Have read hundreds of posts about having the car bite back and will have some serious respect driving it back. Is that a good idea to indeed drive it back for a newbie to the Viper? Ted has given me some advise as he knows what the mountains can be like.

2 - I Read the break-in procedure (2005 manual off the net) in the owners manual but searched "break in" and did not get a lot of hits that says the best way to really break it in. Do I just follow the manual or is there a best way to get things to seat. My entire drive back is highway.

3 - It is a 2008 that has not had an in service date and only about 60 miles on it. My guess is to have the oil changed first since it is likely over two years. Anything else I should get the dealer to do before I drive off?

Thanks in advance and look forward to having my status changed to a Venom owner on this board

By the way it's a Venom Red coupe, no stripes yet. Bought it because everyone said it's the fastest color by far

Rob

Congratulations... You Will Enjoy!

You might find these helpful.

http://forums.viperclub.org/srt10-srt10-coupe-discussions/634108-how-did-you-break-your-viper.html

Congrats on the Purchase, There are lots of us in the Red Deer, Edmonton and Calgary area, We will have to get together this Summer and have a look at your new ride, Welcome to the Club!!!!!!

Thanks Supersnake and look forward to meeting the viper group. I Was a member of the Porsche Polar club in Edmonton so loved the driver events and autocross the hosted at the Namao base. My neighbour has a ZO6 and a
ZR1 so we have the friendly Dodge vs Chevy thing going.

Thanks
Rob

Thank you Venomiss. Should have picked that thread out. If I do drive it I will look a bit strange following some of the instructions but hey I will have lots of time to make it back safely.

R993 said:

Hello all,

I gave a deposit on a new 2008 coupe and expect to pick it up in about two weeks. It's located about 600 miles away.
The drive back to where I live is spectacular and through the Rockies for the most part, and I would love to drive it back versus shipping it.
Need advise on a couple of things:

1 - I have driven a bunch of sports cars over the years some high performance but none like a Viper. Have read hundreds of posts about having the car bite back and will have some serious respect driving it back. Is that a good idea to indeed drive it back for a newbie to the Viper? Ted has given me some advise as he knows what the mountains can be like.

2 - I Read the break-in procedure (2005 manual off the net) in the owners manual but searched "break in" and did not get a lot of hits that says the best way to really break it in. Do I just follow the manual or is there a best way to get things to seat. My entire drive back is highway.

3 - It is a 2008 that has not had an in service date and only about 60 miles on it. My guess is to have the oil changed first since it is likely over two years. Anything else I should get the dealer to do before I drive off?

Thanks in advance and look forward to having my status changed to a Venom owner on this board

By the way it's a Venom Red coupe, no stripes yet. Bought it because everyone said it's the fastest color by far

Rob

Click to expand...

Nice color! and good luck!

I'm a new owner myself and you might want to read this great info for new owners

http://forums.viperclub.org/general-viper-discussion/630445-keeping-new-viper-owners-safe-how.html

Just take it easy with her and you will be fine.
congratulations..... enjoy......

Do you know when the build date is on your Viper?

http://forums.viperclub.org/srt10-srt10-coupe-discussions/633791-common-problems-2008-a.html

http://forums.viperclub.org/srt10-srt10-coupe-discussions/616777-2008-viper-went-into-limp-mode.html

http://forums.viperclub.org/srt10-srt10-coupe-discussions/625407-2008-oil-change-fyi.html

Congrats, R993.

I'm sure you are at risk for too much advice...BUT:
1. ALL Vipers can bite, but I personally feel that the Gen IV is slightly more managable for a new driver (than say a Gen III) with the torque/power coming on higher in the RPM range and the PS2's grip. Just be careful, and give it your full attention! Ease into 2nd and 3rd especially!!!!

2. I'm a fan of the gentle break-in...following the 08 manual, but stretching it out over 800-1000 miles...with an oil change at 500-600 miles.

3. Guessing your build date based on color, I would have the dealer run the VIN in your presence to be sure any recommended updates are completed...such as the "RRT (Rapid Response ansmission) for the cam sensor change WHICH SHOULD BE COMPLETED BEFORE SALE!!! This sensor change is a 20min. job for a Viper Tech. Note, the cam sensor is on the back of the engine...NOT accessed under intake as mistakenly shown on the 2008 Viper Service Manual CD.

If you see a check engine light upon departure, return to dealer!!!

I would ask them to check ( and show you the values) the battery's status...as many 2008 cars' batteries are now on the weak side...only 15 min. to change. Some of the OEM's now do not charge well.

4. Note the injector serial numbers for future reference...especially if it starts with "72".

5. Always take a fire extinguisher, set of good jumper cables, and a inexpensive code reader with you on a drive such as you plan.

I predict that you will have no trouble, have a ball, and love the car like no other!!!

REMEMBER that your Fellow Owners are always here for you!!!

Congrats You will be fine. They are actually very easy to drive. Don't be over aggressive in any manuevers on the way home and enjoy the drive.

Picked up my 08 from Woodhouse in June 08 and drove it back to Great Falls, Mt. Asked Bill P about breakin and he said "when you get 500 on er, let er go." We were way up in Wy on 25 when this happened so did several short runs at 14+. Best advise Bill gave me was; "...if/when you let it get to 4800 and 5000 rpm, make ... sure your front wheels are straight and you have some distance to go ...." I was over a thousand miles to GF so did all the oil change upon arrival. JUST TAKE IT EASY!!

Great advice everybody and Much appreciated. Looks like I will have to take out the 993 in my VCA name (911 reference to the last air cooled cars) and make it relevant when I become a full member.
Have not been this excited in a long time.

Have printed out Venomiss and Steve-Indy's notes and will be sure to follow up. Once I have it will post pictures.

Thanks again,

Rob

Going home on icefields parkway by chance?
Your Viper would make a great shot in front of Bow Lake. Safe travel.

Best way to break in a red Viper.....Trying to catch a Yellow Viper!!!!


Welcome to the Viper Community and the VCA.


As supersnake said we will have to hook up so we can check you out.

Venomiss, as much as I would like to take the icefields parkway don't think I have a chance until another few months.
HSSSSSS, about that yellow, I will make sure that I have a pair of sunglass's handy when I am blinded by the sun like light reflection. I am sure that's what slows down the other vipers making the yellows appear faster (hard to drive and squint at the same time)
In your defence Porsche called it "speed yellow" for a reason.

The 993 is a great car...but, I think the Viper will really blow you mind!!!

Have a great trip... as you can see, we ALL share you excitement!!!