Road Trip Tips

kyleblix · Mar 25, 2011

Hi guys and gals, I'm picking up my first Viper ('97 GTS) in 5 days down in Southern California. My dad and I will be driving it back up or Portland, OR along the coast. The drive will be about 1200 miles and we'll spend 4ish days doing it. My dad and I did something similar about 2 years ago when I bought my 911 and we drove it from Phoenix to Portland. The 911 had a little more space in the cabin and more creature comforts. We had a blast!
I'm looking for any tips/advice you current owners can offer to make this trip as enjoyable as possible. For example, this will be the first car I’ve owned without cup holders. I'll obviously be taking it slow with the car until I’m comfortable driving it (which may take a long time). Any tips/advice are welcome.

Fatboy 18 · Mar 25, 2011

Just make sure your tires are good

Smooth shift those gears, when pressing on in the viper its easy to shift from 3rd to 2nd when you think you are going into 4th! A lot of Viper accidents have happened that way!

Oh and be ready for lots and lots of smiles and looks from other drivers

DeceptioN · Mar 26, 2011

For hydration, keep a water bottle wedged between yourself and the center. There is a spot for an ash tray, you can remove it and buy something to put in there that will convert it into a cup holder though.

The car isn't as hard to drive as some will say. I jumped from a 400hp Mustang to an 06 Viper and even with the much improved torque curve, it never gets too loose on me unless I'm really trying to push the car to it's limits. I've even driven the car in the rain before, you just gotta go lighter on the gas when taking off.

Car is also much more comfortable than you'd think. The seats are high quality and pretty comfortable.

Not sure about 97, but the only issue I have with my 06 is heat in the cabin after about 30 minutes of driving. The exhaust crosses over right under the cabin and creates a hot spot. Will have to pick up a new exhaust to fix that before summer time hits.

Watch out for other people, you'll get a lot of people that will drive up next to you and snap a picture, or sometimes even a video. While you'll learn to ignore it over time, just remember chances are while they are staring at your car, they aren't keeping an eye on their own driving.

Also check tire pressure before you start driving. If the car you are getting has been tracked there's a chance your tire pressure is going to be a tad low for normal street driving. My tire pressure was at about 20 when I got my car and didn't notice for a week. Upped it to 32 and now have much better handling and gas mileage.

mad0953 · Mar 26, 2011

You'll have a blast. Don't blast thru any corners until you know your limits and the car's limits. I wish I would have driven mine home from Calif. when I bought it.

N2 Vipers · Mar 26, 2011

Don't drive up the coast on Hwy 1 the road is washed out in the Big Sur area!

Bird325 · Mar 26, 2011

Be very careful about enjoying the attention and not paying attention to the road. Take your time and walk around a little bit when you stop for gas ... that happens more often than you would expect due to a small tank. Also, try not to let the gas get too low. You might find yourself on a long stretch of no big towns and have trouble finding high grade gas. Wear driving shoes or slippers ... the foot position in the 97 is going to be a lot different than other cars you've driven. It's not hard to get used to, but if you're driving for a couple of days almost non-stop, you're going to want your feet to be comfy.

Read the threads on here about the AC and heater controls. There isn't much selection of temperature in the older snakes ... it's pretty much on/off for both. I regulate my internal temperature by cracking the window a little.

If you don't have one, borrow a radar detector ... you're going to be driving faster than you think.

costanZo · Mar 26, 2011

If you want a cup holder for your new GTS, then buy this! :2tu:

Viper Glovebox

kyleblix said:
For example, this will be the first car I’ve owned without cup holders.

Venomiss · Mar 26, 2011

kyleblix said:
Hi guys and gals, I'm picking up my first Viper ('97 GTS) in 5 days down in Southern California. My dad and I will be driving it back up or Portland, OR along the coast. The drive will be about 1200 miles and we'll spend 4ish days doing it. My dad and I did something similar about 2 years ago when I bought my 911 and we drove it from Phoenix to Portland. The 911 had a little more space in the cabin and more creature comforts. We had a blast!
I'm looking for any tips/advice you current owners can offer to make this trip as enjoyable as possible. For example, this will be the first car I’ve owned without cup holders. I'll obviously be taking it slow with the car until I’m comfortable driving it (which may take a long time). Any tips/advice are welcome.

Try and meet some other Viper owners in SoCal with Lance Kouchi the president.
SoCal Viper

Or Central California.
Viper Club of America - Central California Region

Or Northern California.
Northern California VCA

Or Oregon.
Oregon Viper Club Home

Safe travels.

gb66gth · Mar 26, 2011

1) bring a fire extinguisher, just in case
2) bring your gas card, you'll definitely need it
3) bring a radar detector, you'll definitely need it
4) one can of fix-o-flat, see #1
5) bring a camera, see #1
6) ENJOY THE RIDE!

costanZo · Mar 26, 2011

gb66gth said:
1) bring a fire extinguisher, just in case
2) bring your gas card, you'll definitely need it
3) bring a radar detector, you'll definitely need it
4) one can of fix-o-flat, see #1
5) bring a camera, see #1
6) ENJOY THE RIDE!

I've been told fix-o-flat is terrible to use on your tires....I might use it on my other car's since those tires aren't expensive, but on my Viper I refuse to ever use it!

paul fettig · Mar 26, 2011

Make sure you have proof of insurance with you.

eucharistos · Mar 26, 2011

good info so far

also:

take note of the tire issue
carry soft luggage
make sure you have sunglasses (tiny visors)
watch the speedometer - 100mph+ comes around quickly/unexpectedly
when stopping, be sure to keep a window down enough to unlock manually
on long smokey (cop) filled stretches, use 6th - stock gen2's get 22 mpg doing 70-75 in 6th

get 1 or 2 of these (most walmarts also sell them):

Advance Auto Parts: Wedge Cup Holder by Bell Automotive - Part 22-1-05591-8

enjoy :drive:

GDog · Mar 26, 2011

Lots of good tips here so far but I'll add my 2 cents anyway.

When ever I go on a long trip I through my track bag/tool case in the car. It's amazing how much you can fix with a couple of screw drivers, a pair of vice grips, and a set of wrenches. Other stuff to consider throwing in your bag:

-Silicon adhesive
-a mini air compressor and tire plug kit
-a liter (quart?) of engine oil
-a bottle of brake fluid
-a good knife
-latex or similar gloves
-a torque wrench complete with extension and the correct well nut socket for the Gen II. always check the nut torques before starting out.

Best of luck and throw up some shots when you get home.

01rt10outlaw · Mar 26, 2011

picked up my car in St Louis and drove it down to Dallas, be prepared for long stares, lots of thumbs up....enjoy !!! :headbang:

kyleblix · Mar 27, 2011

Thanks for all the good info guys.
-Had the rubber checked by the dealership during the PPI
-Unfortunately the PPI discovered the a/c doesn't blow cold, so I’ll have to crack the window to cool off.
-Already have the radar detector and sunglasses set out to pack
-Good call on the cup holder options, I’m guessing we'll swing by a walmart for something like that.
-I'll also pick up an extra quart of oil and a can of fix-a-flat (just in case).
-I'd love to meet up with some other Viper owners, but I don't know if we'll have time.

Question about one suggestion, when stopping, why would I want to leave the window down enough to unlock manually?

Y2K5SRT · Mar 27, 2011

Not mentioned but pretty obvious: Maps and/or GPS. GPS is great for getting you there, but a good ol' fashioned map is better for scouring cool side trips along the way - national parks, scenic drives, etc. Definitely bring a camera as you will have some amazing shots along the way.

As for drinks, we found that wedging a 16 oz plastic bottle of your favorite beverage between the top of the seat and the rear bulkhead worked like a champ on our GTS. Doesn't move in the most spirited driving and is easy to reach. Never scuffed our seats or bulkhead, but always use caution if you are particular about a pristine finish.

As far as the windows the reason some leave them down part way (especially on an RT/10) is that the locks are electronic with no outside key locks on the doors as I recall. The GTS is a little easier in the event of a power failure as you can open the back glass with a key and reach the manual door release on the inside pillar in case of any sort of electronic failure (battery, transmitter, etc.). It's not common to have those sort of problems - so not a big worry.

Of course don't forget to join the club while you are at it...

https://www.viperclub.org/join/

HyperViper · Mar 27, 2011

You didn't mention where in SoCal you are picking the car up?

I would personally check the tire pressure and fluids when I picked the car up.

Have a fun trip :2tu:

WOT! · Mar 27, 2011

Remember to relax your face muscles every few hours. The constant smiling will hurt after about 8 hours.

kyleblix · Mar 27, 2011

I've got the GPS set out to pack already

Even though the dealer said the checked the pressure and fluids, I’ll check them again when I pick the car up.

I'm picking it up in San Diego. Flying down on Tuesday night and picking it up on Wednesday Morning.

I'll to my best to relax the face muscles every few hours, no guarantees though.

jdeft1 · Mar 28, 2011

Have Fun!!

Enjoy the car, the ride and the trip.... (My only advise..)

kyleblix · Mar 28, 2011

mad0953 said:
I wish I would have driven mine home from Calif. when I bought it.

If there was a 3rd seat, i'd invite you along

kblake905 · Mar 28, 2011

kyleblix said:
I've got the GPS set out to pack already

Even though the dealer said the checked the pressure and fluids, I’ll check them again when I pick the car up.

I'm picking it up in San Diego. Flying down on Tuesday night and picking it up on Wednesday Morning.

I'll to my best to relax the face muscles every few hours, no guarantees though.

I would add to the other suggestions is to take along some of your favourite tunes, if you are not rushed I would avoid the interstate hwys and take in the scenery. :smirk:

Interstate driving cramps my leg up (no cruise control...)

jdeft1 · Mar 28, 2011

kblake905 said:
I would add to the other suggestions is to take along some of your favourite tunes, if you are not rushed I would avoid the interstate hwys and take in the scenery.
Interstate driving cramps my leg up (no cruise control...)

I totally agree! The interstates are fast but really boring too!! I've been across the country several times and back on the back roads. I enjoyed each trip immensely.

A roadtrip is about the road, traveling is just A to B...

- Just more useless thoughts

HyperViper · Mar 28, 2011

kyleblix said:
I've got the GPS set out to pack already

Even though the dealer said the checked the pressure and fluids, I’ll check them again when I pick the car up.

I'm picking it up in San Diego. Flying down on Tuesday night and picking it up on Wednesday Morning.

I'll to my best to relax the face muscles every few hours, no guarantees though.

Down in my neck of the woods. Who has the car? Are you taking off for home right away? or hanging out for a couple days?

GDog · Mar 28, 2011

kyleblix said:
I've got the GPS set out to pack already

Even though the dealer said the checked the pressure and fluids, I’ll check them again when I pick the car up.

I'm picking it up in San Diego. Flying down on Tuesday night and picking it up on Wednesday Morning.

I'll to my best to relax the face muscles every few hours, no guarantees though.

That's funny I'm flying in to San Diego on Wed AM.

Side note, for all the reasons listed above one of the best road trips I even did was to VOI11 last fall in my snake. 14hrs straight in the car and I'd do it again in a heart beat. Think; death bed memories. So enjoy ever hot, cramped, sweaty plamed, face twisting moment... hold on that sounds like something else....

kyleblix · Apr 4, 2011

Hey guys, i've been home for a few days now. The trip went great, thanks for all the good advice. The car was much more comfortable than I thought it would be.

Here are a few pictures from the drive:

You must be registered for see images attach

Here is a couple from when I got home and had a chance to wash it:

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costanZo · Apr 4, 2011

Beautiful...... I LOVE the B/W GTS...such an Iconic timepiece!

kyleblix said:
Hey guys, i've been home for a few days now. The trip went great, thanks for all the good advice. The car was much more comfortable than I thought it would be.

Here are a few pictures from the drive:

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

Here is a couple from when I got home and had a chance to wash it:

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

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