Single Turbo RX7 to Viper?

HardHitter · May 21, 2011

Sad to do it but my fully built 94 RX7 is up for sale. I've loved this car every since I owned my first one a few years ago and was forced to sell. I was able to pick this other FD up and build it to where it is today, but smog laws are just getting so harsh in California. Once again, I feel like I'm forced to put my FD up for sale and I want to look more into a high HP car without the needs to mod the car like I've done to my 7. In comes the Viper.

Ideally, I'd love to pickup a 2nd gen Viper to replace my FD. The FD is my weekend/fun car and the Viper would do the same.

With that said, I'd like to know everyones thoughts around the Viper (although I know bias) and why YOU love the car and what made you purchase the car over your other options. Typical maintenance cost, parts, pros, cons, etc.

Mutts02GTS · May 21, 2011

I bought my car because I love the bodyline look and curves of my Gen 2 GTS, it's a work of rolling art. This car was built to be driven and not everyone can drive it, safely that is. I'm not saying you do BUT if you count on traction control and/or electronic shift programs, etc, that allow anyone to drive the vehicle, then you will not be happy with a Viper unless you wait on a new Gen V. I don't profess to be the worlds best driver but I know when to ease into the throttle and when not to, if you do as well then this can be your car. Make no mistake the Viper is a monster when it comes to biting you when you least expect it! The horsepower and Torque will put a smile on your face at the end of any bad day of work on your drive home. You must always keep a dose of self control handy when someone pulls up beside you wanting to test their vehicle against yours, impulsiveness will kill you, or someone else, in this vehicle in a heartbeat. Good luck on your hunt for your Viper. Take care. Jeff

DrumrBoy · May 21, 2011

You will be pleasantly surprised. The stock power (410-430 RW) is plenty to have fun with and can be improved significantly with bolt ons. On maintenance, they can be very solid or can be annoyingly problematic. To hit the "solid" end of that scale, look for one that has been taken care of or one that's been modded and well sorted. (Sounds like you're no stranger to modding and HP, so you know not to buy a half-sorted car anyhow). Parts are a little expensive, known here as "The Viper Tax" but the VCA community is good at helping identify the best value parts.....we also have some great and powerful Wizards who are always willing to share knowledge and experience with you. Oh yeah, and don't stab the throttle unless the front wheels are pointing straight. They're a handful to drive at 8/10ths but rewarding once you get comfortable with it.

HardHitter · May 21, 2011

Thanks a lot for the input guys. I've owned a 2005 GTO that I had long tube headers and a large cam in it putting down around 430rwhp. Loved it, but even with 275 tires in the rear, traction was non-existant in 1st and sometimes second gear. I understand the Viper has tons of torque which is something I'm looking for. Of course I'd ease into the car and really learn the limits of the car. Most likely I'd take it to a track or driving school to figure it out safely on a track somewhere rather then ending up in a ditch as all of you are explaining.

The reason why the Viper attracts me is because I miss the sound of a Vxx block. I had cutouts on my GTO, so whenever I wanted, I could run basically open headers and I miss that sound. I plan on keeping the Viper stock for hopefully my first year of ownership (well maybe exhaust) and then most likely just go all out to a TT setup.

I'm familiar with 400+rwhp cars. My GTO had 430rwhp, my FD right now has 405rwhp on low boost and my Stage 3 S4 has 415awhp. I can associate the Viper closer to the RX7 in regards to no computer helped driving, traction control, etc etc. Just all driver skill.

jmasin · May 22, 2011

I bought the car because frankly I think it's gorgeous. The curves are like nothing out there. And the raw, unadulterated power. I've driven corvettes for years, but wanted something more over the top, less refined, rarer etc. Now my jeep is my daily, my vette is my "it might rain today" car, and the viper is my clear skies car

You are right... there's no sound like a high displacement V8+ with copious low-end torque... nothing like that growl.

You seem used to the power level, so the power of the Gen II may not amaze you any more

but it is an amazing vehicle.

Mine is still pretty new to me, 4 weeks-ish now. Bone stock so far. I've definitely identified opportunities for "improvement" and personalization of handling/braking etc. For me the power is (so far) plenty. So, none of those mods will interfere with smog laws etc. There is definitely a Viper Tax as mentioned above... which I'm finding is more than the Vette Tax, and probably more than your FD, but as long as you know going in it shouldn't surprise you.

Good luck! Sounds like you had a awesome RX7

Vreracing · May 22, 2011

I had a '93 Twin Turbo RX7. It had the similar rear wheel drive bias that the Viper has. I think the biggest thing is to able to sense the rear tires and how it relates to your foot on the accelerator.

HardHitter · May 22, 2011

Could I get a better understanding of the differences between the RT/10 and the GTS?

1. Some of the RT/10s have the side exhaust and some have it coming from the rear. What year did they go from the side exhaust to the rear?

2. Performance wise there is no difference between the RT/10 and the GTS right?

3. Amenities I'm sort of confused on. I thought the RT/10 didn't come with windows or door locks, but the GTS does right?

I love the body of the GTS, but I like the option of going ******* with the RT/10.

SCSViper · May 23, 2011

I had the 10th Anniversary edition RX-7, sold it for a MINIVAN. I did, however, get a promise from my wife that I can buy any cars in the future and she won't say anything. Loved that car, but love the promise I got more.

jmasin · May 23, 2011

HardHitter said:
Could I get a better understanding of the differences between the RT/10 and the GTS?

1. Some of the RT/10s have the side exhaust and some have it coming from the rear. What year did they go from the side exhaust to the rear?

2. Performance wise there is no difference between the RT/10 and the GTS right?

3. Amenities I'm sort of confused on. I thought the RT/10 didn't come with windows or door locks, but the GTS does right?

I love the body of the GTS, but I like the option of going ******* with the RT/10.

Not trying to be unhelpful, but Wikipedia actually has a pretty good writeup on the Viper, at least from a high level summary through the years. It's far better than I could try and type in a reply.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Viper

Viper Grenade · May 23, 2011

While I love the Viper..... A FD with a H/C LS1 is just as much fun...and costs a good bit less. Why not drop a LS1 into your FD? With that said...

...Vipers are unreal...

Phun70 · May 23, 2011

You will love the Viper!!! I happen to have a 96 RT/10 for sale. Call me 515-249-1793. I could tell you some stories!!!!

Dom426h · May 24, 2011

A few of my buddies have Single Turbo FD's i have been in em on the track and they have been around the track in my Viper. We both have nothing but good things to say about eachothers cars.
Similar experience in power, overall grip, and handling. Only Diff being they have to shift several times around the track as where i can leave her in 4rth on bigger open tracks and let the bottem end do the work. They were impressed by this as was i impressed by how matched their FD's are to my GTS on the track.

You might know my friends, they run SakeBombGarage. http://www.sakebombgarage.com/

PM me a link to your FD and i'll pass it along. Goodluck in your viper search.

HardHitter · May 24, 2011

Yea I've heard of the company, I have their oil cooler kit on the car

Here is a link to the thread with pictures, mods and a video walk through of the car.

I strive the car to be the cleanest and most well put together FD while still having the "stock" look from the outside.

http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=954469

Dom426h · May 24, 2011

Your link didnt work...

Is it this?

http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=954166

Here is my 10 cylinders and friends 10 rotors:

You must be registered for see images attach

HardHitter · May 24, 2011

http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=954166

Yes that is mine

Nice garage! Hoping to fit a lift in my garage someday!

Single Turbo RX7 to Viper?

HardHitter

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Mutts02GTS

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DrumrBoy

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HardHitter

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jmasin

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Vreracing

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HardHitter

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SCSViper

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jmasin

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Viper Grenade

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Phun70

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Dom426h

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HardHitter

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