Deja Vu

[502CID]

In November of 1965 I sold my 1963 Corvette Z06 split window coupe (yes a real one) and purchased a 1966 427 AC Cobra. I was appalled at the lack of basic amenities such as roll-up windows, heater, defroster and a top that fit over the roll bar. The saving grace was that the Cobra went like hell and stopped even better, so I was happy and never missed my Corvette.
Two weeks ago I purchased a 2005 SRT-10 and sold my 2002 Corvette Z06. It was immediately apparent that the Viper was not as sophisticated as the Corvette. Although the Viper is undoubtedly faster than the Corvette the skill requirements to extract that performance are considerably more demanding than the Corvette's. Am I disappointed, certainly not, the Viper is a beautiful and unique automobile while the Corvette is as ordinary as Kleenex. I have to agree with Hemotox in her assessment of Corvette's, they are great cars that fill a need.
My Cobra has qualities that are difficult to convey to the uninitiated, I feel the Viper has similar qualities and am looking forward to the ownership exerience.

 

[Y2K5SRT]

Welcome aboard! And now you can change your ID to 505CID...

 

[ViperInBlack]

Bruce:

Tell us about your 2005 SRT-10 and what mod plans you have for it.

If I wanted a daily commuter that did not infringe upon me (drive it and listen to the sound system), I would buy a Corvette and definitely an automatic. Comfy...quiet. Causes no crowd control problems. And, as absurd as prices are nowadays, it is actually "inexpensive." It is a great bargain.

If I want a driving experience, then I want an exotic.

Remember that Diablo users have to open doors to see sufficiently to back up.

When I fire up in the morning, I struggle to keep it down so as not to bother neighbors.

When I back up my Viper, I crane my neck, have to remind myself of the width, and worry that someone trying to get close enough to read the name will fail to stop in sufficient time and wind up an object in my oh-so-tiny-trunk-with-its-oh-so-heavy-lid.

Brutal, but gratifying.

Welcome about 502CID.

Alice

 

[502CID]

Alice,
The only thing I was thinking about was a 3.55 gear, I think it would help low rpm throttle responce. I still have that Cobra and have made many changes to the original design including engine, suspension, wheels, transmission, clutch, rear end, brakes, steering, fuel system, cooling system and pedal package. It makes 734 naturally aspirated hp at the flywheel and 630 lb/ft torque. Curb weight is just 2180 lbs. The tire area to weight ratio is also very good so it would be hard to justify modifing the SRT too. I need at least one car that can be street driven without fear of arrest.

 

[GraphiteGTS]

502, after reading your post, I'd bet you'd understand why I am apalled at neon kits and cruise control for snakes.

 

[ViperInBlack]

Bruce:

I have changed to K&N, and I strongly feel that the stock rear end is just unsuited for my environment. I joke, but I could virtually never go above 3rd gear. The struggle has been between 3.55 and 3.73 if you have not read the thread, and the consensus (although it is hotly debated) is that 3.73 may be a bit deep and break lose the wheels especially in the rain. So, with reluctance, I plan on 3.55. That plan was halted when I swapped cars.

My husband had the option to buy a `67 L88 Corvette (72 miles) in 1968 for $3400. Without the funds, he passed on it. As he justifies..."anyway, it was a coupe." In 1969, he had access to a virtually new 427 Cobra which had been bought by a girl for her boyfriend, and since they had parted ways, she was selling for $6500. Again, too steep. The most memorable car to him was a `64 GTO tripower convertible that was one of the Royal Pontiac orders that came through with a 421 S.D. block (4 bolt mains). It was a street racer's dream.

I refer to the Viper as the car more likely to give you cardiac arrest than criminal arrest.

Alice

 

[FLOORIN04]

quote:
I refer to the Viper as the car more likely to give you cardiac arrest than criminal arrest.

Alice
________________________________________________________

 

[Kelly06]

Alice
Quit posting and get to cleaning and dusting your....er, black mamba. You don't have time to post any more. Oops, another 10000 dust particles just settled on you viper

Floor
Glad you are here. I am jealous of the cobra.