need advice on viper,mght buy one
- Thread starter rspears9
- Start date
I was looking at buying a cobra for a long time. They are fantastic cars, but you can tell which way I went. I still like the cobras, but you should drive both and there will be no choice. This is also a different animal from the GT500. There was a review that said that driving the Viper is like riding a bull with a rope through it's mouth.....I was sold. The search is a lot of fun.
3whitevipers
VCA Venom Member
I have both--get the Viper--Dave
Paul Hawker
Enthusiast
Kit cobra's are perhaps some of the coolest looking cars on the planet, however living with them can be pretty difficult.
I've driven large and small block versions, and they put a huge smile on my face, but they got old really really fast.
Vipers are much better sorted out, and still give that hugely rewarding and thrilling experience.
In addition they have service through thousands of dealerships and parts availability.
Many spend years building kit cars, and then selling them for 1/2 price when they get finished, as the reality often is less fulfilling than the dream.
You can get pretty good deals on used kit cars, but few really trust the kits that were put together by individuals.
Vipers are maybe what the original Cobra's would have developed into if they had merged into one of the major manufacturers.
I've driven large and small block versions, and they put a huge smile on my face, but they got old really really fast.
Vipers are much better sorted out, and still give that hugely rewarding and thrilling experience.
In addition they have service through thousands of dealerships and parts availability.
Many spend years building kit cars, and then selling them for 1/2 price when they get finished, as the reality often is less fulfilling than the dream.
You can get pretty good deals on used kit cars, but few really trust the kits that were put together by individuals.
Vipers are maybe what the original Cobra's would have developed into if they had merged into one of the major manufacturers.
3whitevipers
VCA Venom Member
I've got a "Superformance" which is only sold as a rolling chassis, fully licensed by Shelby. By far and away the best replica out there. I've had her 2 yrs with no issues at all except for the constant request for pictures--even the cops. Tampa Bay Shelby sells both the Superformance and the continuation series Cobra. The owner swears by the Superformance as being better assembled, better fit and finish, and better handling than the continuation series Cobra. As much as I like my Superformance, I still like my Vipers better.--Dave
LifeIsGood
Enthusiast
I've had my 2001 for 3 years now (15K miles). It's bullet proof as far as I know. It is easy to work on yourself. Very reliable.
georgethedog
Enthusiast
If you want a crazy fun 2 seat sports car = Viper. I have had 4 of them, but needed a back seat so I don't anymore...
Never had any problems with them at all. If you do get one, you will become familiar with what we call the Viper Tax on parts & mods though...
Go for it.
Never had any problems with them at all. If you do get one, you will become familiar with what we call the Viper Tax on parts & mods though...
Go for it.
ontariomystic
Viper Owner
I have an 04 Cobra. Similar in performance to the shelby but less refinement and power, nothing a pulley swap doesn't change. Got my GTS this year and love driving it. Viper just gives you a thrill ride everytime you take it out where mustangs become the norm. There's more to it than all out HP, its the look and feel of the car. I still have an interest in my Cobra though. Being that I've owned it since new and its a 5500 mile mystichrome I plan to keep it.
ZYellow01RT
Enthusiast
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2010
- Posts
- 1,060
- Reaction score
- 0
Second that. I also have a 2001 with 16K miles. And yellow too, so it will hold its value much better.
klamathpro
Viper Owner
The two happiest days of any real man's life are:
1. The day he gets his first Viper.
...and
2. ...The day he gets his second Viper.
1. The day he gets his first Viper.
...and
2. ...The day he gets his second Viper.
I woud imagine the resale market for a Gen 2 Viper is broader than it is for a Cobra replica, even a Superformance-assembled one. By that I mean, more people are looking for them at any given time. The point here is that if you do the Viper and end up not liking it (VERY doubtful) you can sell it easier and move on.
Chuck 98 RT/10
Enthusiast
If anyone would know, Dave would. But with all due respect I just GOTTA find out for myself someday.
What advice are you specifically looking for? This is a Viper forum after all so you know it will come highly recommended.
DarcShadow
Viper Owner
I also have a 2001 yellow with almost 60K miles. Have had it for almost 9 years. Just basic maintance, no major issues.Second that. I also have a 2001 with 16K miles. And yellow too, so it will hold its value much better.
eucharistos
Enthusiast
good thread and posts 
eucharistos
Enthusiast
from another thread (http://forums.viperclub.org/threads/654666-Found-a-Viper-on-the-Shelby-wiki.):
You must be registered for see images
i really want a viper,i am considering selling my gt 500,the olny thing holding me back is that i have read and heard of many people wrecking there viper due to the fact that they are a handful to drive,they say owning one makes you a better driver,,i live on 2 lane roads and i like to pass some times when people are driving to slow,but they say if you open it to much you might lose control.one thing im leaning towards a 2001 is it has anti lock brakes,thats a plus,and i love the sappire blue,
where are you located? I have a 2001 Sapphire/Silver GTS with HRE wheels that I have been thinking about selling.
Based on your quote, you sound like you are going into this with caution. Maintaining that caution and a healthy fear/respect of the machine will serve you well.
Here are a few of the statements that are usually made for new/potential owners like yourself.
NEW TIRES! NEW TIRES! NEW TIRES!
Just take it slow at first and learn the car.
No sudden movements (wheel jerks, shifts, or throttle).
Roll into the throttle, don't stomp it.
Make sure the wheels are straight before rolling into said throttle.
If you start to spin, two feet in.
Be careful shifting. A new Viper owner can easily push first when they want third or grab second when they want fourth. Please reference my last statement if this happens.
These are just a few. I'm sure others will add more.
does any company's make a after market shifter for these cars so they follow thru the gears right,i have owned cobra mustangs since 2001,i can drive a standard pretty good,every body brags on my shelby its kona blue with silver stripes,and its comvertible,it just doesn't give me the awwww factor.
My Viper was the first manual transmission and sports car I had ever driven. Listen to the advice already provided in this thread. You don't just "floor it" in these cars. You can get on the gas and have some fun, but you need to have some restraint. If you do want to have some fun, keep the tires straight and do it on open roads without the threat of a car cutting you off or any obstacles such as potholes. Potholes are an issue where I live, so I only get on the gas on roads I've already driven on before. Weaving in and out of cars at high speeds will eventually catch up to you. There's just no need for it.
Maybe it's just me, but headers and an aftermarket exhaust system make these cars 10x more enjoyable. I'll never own another modern sports car without getting it outfitted with an exhaust system. It may not add much power, but there's nothing like hitting 5k RPMs and being heard a mile away. So ****ing badass.
Maybe it's just me, but headers and an aftermarket exhaust system make these cars 10x more enjoyable. I'll never own another modern sports car without getting it outfitted with an exhaust system. It may not add much power, but there's nothing like hitting 5k RPMs and being heard a mile away. So ****ing badass.
As stated above, new tires. Also by paying atention to the road surface you'll learn on which roads you can hammer it on and which to play it safe. There is a corner on the way home from work that my wifes Pathfinder will break loose on, with the Viper anything above just driving it'll want to switch end.
VYPR BYT 94
Enthusiast
All good advice above.
You'll also give some thought about "where" you'll be taking it when you leave the house, ie; steep inclines on the entrance to parking lots and driveway, etc... and remmeber to hit those slow and on an angle.
I had to gradually get into that habit because I came from early '70's muscle.
... just something you're not in the habit of doing with the Mustang that's all.
You'll also give some thought about "where" you'll be taking it when you leave the house, ie; steep inclines on the entrance to parking lots and driveway, etc... and remmeber to hit those slow and on an angle.
I had to gradually get into that habit because I came from early '70's muscle.
... just something you're not in the habit of doing with the Mustang that's all.
