Expectant Father Questions

['01 Big Bird]

O.K boys, I am on the eve of receiving my first Viper GTS. If all goes as planned, I will be swapping out my '02 ZO6 for an '01 Yellow GTS with around 6K miles on it. I can't stop thinking about it. What maintanance and mods should I be thinking about doing first? I know the obvious: oil change, tire pressure check, muffler delete w/ x pipe, k & n filters, smooth tubes. What else? Can I yank the cats off after the car is registered and still be safe from emissions testing? Any particular concerns about the '01 GTS'? What about the plastic impeller on the water pump? Help the rookie!

 

[Steve-Indy]

Congrats...you're going to love this car.

I would start by buying a service manual, and changing ALL the fluids myself...not a small job, but well worth it...and, unless your records show otherwise, most of the fluid schedules have a time limit regardless of miles recorded, so in my mind, an 01 is "due".

Would also throw in new plugs and wires as part of a "fresh start".

Personally, I would get an extended warranty ASAP...in the meantime, watch the temp gauge, see dealer if you are worried (if you can't/don't get warranty, the OEM water pump can be purchased from Dan Cragin (D-C Performance) for a lot less thgan the dealer price...IF you need one.

HAVE FUN !!!

 

[DLTARNU]

Heya VT,

I just got a '99 RT/10 5 days ago and am doing my new car checklist, as well. There is a thread entitled "New Viper Checklist" that you might want to read. Should be on page 1 or 2. Covers some of the stuff new owners should do/check.

I took mine to one of the top Viper tuners and he also suggested what Steve-Indy said about the plugs/wires, especially the wires. Stock wires apparently have a bad habit of melting/degrading from the engine heat. I'm going with whatever aftermarket wires he recommends. I'll let you know what I get when I get them.

The brake dust generated by the stock pads is just ridiculous. I have to clean my wheels DAILY. So, you might want to consider geting a set of EBC Greens. They supposedly stop better, don't squeal, and don't create anywhere near the amount of brake dust that the stock pads do. I've already ordered a set.

I've driven Vettes before. There is NO comparison. You are going to LOVE it!