Learning to drive well is the first thing you need. (not necessarily a more powerful car!) For example, there is a local guy who posts over at open tracking, who has like 257 HP, and turns a lap time of 1:32 at Willow Springs. That is considered a great time for most, even for a stock 450HP Viper. And yet some people can go that fast in cars with much less power, and lesser suspensions/tires, etc! How do they do it? Keeping the momentum going on the proper line is paramount. Learn to do that first, then get some Viper-specific training in class and on track in your Viper, and you will be just that much better. Thats what makes Viper Days so fantastic. Viper-specific driver training.
But anyway, having bored you with all that, lets say you just like the raw power and appeal of the Viper. Great! Nice choice! You won't regret it one bit! I know I'm thrilled with mine, and plan to keep it until I'm too old to drive. Its a really unique car, that keeps a smile on your face for years.
The ACR has stiffer spring rates, and adjustable shock valving. It also has smooth intake tubes, and low restriction air filters. It has better oil pressure regulation than the stock GTS.
I don't know of any differences between the 01 and 02, except they changed the part number on the ABS unit for 02. Some people suspect that there was more to this, but I have no independant knowledge of that, one way or the other.
As far as the track goes, most of the time ABS brakes only make a difference if you apply more pressure than threshold braking requires. You can stand on 'em, and they will continue to allow the wheels to turn, even though you are applying too much pedal pressure.
Up unitl the point at which the wheels start to lock up, (threshold), the dynamics of pedal pressure and tire traction are the same, whether you are driving an ABS car, or not.
But then again, if you are shy to find the limits of the brakes, (or the traction of the tires), you can just stand on your ABS unit, and find out where the ABS starts to kick in, and maybe save some time getting acclimated to braking as hard as possible.
Whatever the case, get some class room time in, and get some on-track instruction before jumping into it. That will shorten the learning curve.
Last thing, go rob a bank, $$$ for tires, brakes, fluids, etc.
ps. Welcome to the forum!
