Question for the New ACR owners please.

[Dads Toy]

I went to Woodhouse a couple of weeks ago and that was my first mistake (got bitten big time). I was wanting "just a viper" sometime in the next 15 months. But after seeing an ACR in person, wow.

To me, they are totally not practical and way too expensive compared to a nice used Viper but again wow.

I could afford an ACR, it would take me a little longer to get a good down payment for it.

So what's going through my head is, Do you ACR owners drive your ACR's on the street even on weekends? I would be concerned with hitting anything (pothole, any road trash, curbs) because of how low the front end is with the splitter. Is it an issue? I can't imagine what repair costs would be.

I want one bad but am trying to justify an ACR vs any nice used Viper. I most likely would not go to the track to race it and would want to go for weekend drives but am concerned aout how low it sits.

The other side is that if I bought a regular Viper, would I regret not getting an ACR. Either way its my dream car and spending anywhere from 40k up for a regular viper or going ahead and biting the bullet on the price of an ACR. I would hate to spend money on this new toy and regret not buying what I want.

Talk me 'out of' or into an ACR please.

I have never bought a garage queen but I am sure I would be happy with an ACR garage queen.

 

[CitySnake]

You've got to get a grip on your "Viper" priorities.

Sounds like you're not interested in a convertible, so that's easy.

You'll get virtually no benefit of owning an ACR for street use other than the "look". You need to decide how important that is to you. A coupe with the aero package will get you close, but not completely there.

The ACR is height adjustable, so in factory form it's no lower than any SRT with the aero package.

The PS2's that come on the SRT are FAR better for street use if conditions are not dry.

IMO, which is certainly not necessarily shared by others, unless you plan to spend several days at a track each season/year, it's not worth the extra investment in shocks and advanced aero parts which don't become effective untill you're at speeds and G's that you'd seldom visit even with spirited street driving . But, I'm a convertible guy anyway, so an ACR was never of much interest.

 

[Grant]

So what's going through my head is, Do you ACR owners drive your ACR's on the street even on weekends? I would be concerned with hitting anything (pothole, any road trash, curbs) because of how low the front end is with the splitter. Is it an issue? I can't imagine what repair costs would be.

I drive my ACR on the street quite often. Mine is set to SRT's recommended ride height for rough tracks, so its about 3/4" lower than stock. Rubbing does sometimes occur, even when you are careful. Fortunately, the splitter is designed with this in mind. In addition to tilting upwards on impacts, the bulk of it is made out of a thick, tough plastic. The plastic portions can be unbolted and replaced, though I don't know the cost of new rub strips from Chrysler. If they are very expensive, it would not be difficult to simply have replacements made for very little cost.

It would really take a lot of rubbing to need to replace the rub strips.

I want one bad but am trying to justify an ACR vs any nice used Viper. I most likely would not go to the track to race it and would want to go for weekend drives but am concerned aout how low it sits.

The ride height is adjustable, but not taking an ACR to the track seems very wasteful to me. Have you considered a coupe with the optional aero packages? Or an aftermarket paint job?

With the shocks set on the "street" settings, the car does ride pretty well. It won't perform very well like this however, and I suspect is still worse than a normal '08 coupe.

Talk me 'out of' or into an ACR please.

The ACR is a car for racers. I don't think you'll really appreciate its abilities over a normal Viper. Also, the normal Viper will be the faster car.

 

[Chrissss]

IMHO...while I love the ACR, if you are not going to track it and don't need it just for the look, I would stick with a "regular" viper. Lets face it, the ACR is a street legal track car.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Also, the normal Viper will be the faster car.

Not sure I get this comment.

I have a non-ACR Gen 1, but have made many one-off suspension and brake improvements. As an engineer, I get as much enjoyment doing these things as trying them out and seeing if they helped or not. I guess they mostly have, since I can usually best Gen 2 and Gen 3 cars in AX events.

So my comment is this - buy something you will drive (not just look at), use (not just admire), and exercise thoroughly (not just Sunday drive.) For me, that has been a "standard" Viper with lots of personalized improvements. Save your money, find a ABS-equipped garage queen, and pay for other upgrades as you find you want them.

I have 90,000+ miles on mine and intend on using it up before I'm too old to know how.

 

[JonB]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grant
Also, the normal Viper will be the faster car.

Not sure I get this comment.

I assume that Grant means to suggest that Aero robs the ACR of top speed.

A recent AUTOWEEK article called the 2008 ACR "One giant middle finger" in the face of fuel-conscious environmentalists........

 

[Boxer12]

No offense, but I think if you are talking about 'saving up for a down payment,' then you cannot afford the car. Who buys these cars on credit? You will lose a lot of money I think. Make sure you really want to spend the extra money. The seat of the pants feel is pretty much the same unless you are experienced with Vipers. Remember, "HP sells cars, but Torque wins races" (and gives you that Viper feeling). Don't get enamored by HP numbers. Also, there is a learning curve to driving these cars..don't get snakebit. Buy one you can afford to replace if you track it, insurance is not always going to cover it. Just my 2c.

 

[fastmd]

Save a little more and get both, that is my philosphy.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

I wanna become a doctor.

 

[ViperCr8zy]

I'll chime in, and probably regret the beating I'll take on this post.

I too was looking for a "regular" Viper when I came across the ACR and had to have it. I understand its capabilities, and didn't buy it just for looks, but I am definitely not up to the experienced driver level that the car can accommodate.

So, why did I buy an ACR then? Well, first the money did not make a difference to me between an aero-equipped vert that I first wanted and a few extra bucks for an ACR. What got me into the ACR was complete respect for its capabilities and the hope that someday I may be as good a driver to be able to use it all. Until then, I'll be careful with the car and go through some professional driving courses. I do intend to drive this car, but knowing its capabilities has made me far more hesitant to lay into it versus other high HP, electronically monitored and controlled cars I've owned in the past.

Second, I fully believe the ACR is the last hurrah of the neo-Muscle era that started back in the early 90's. Growing up, I was in love with muscle from the '60s and 70's, and I was tempted to lay money down to buy a Hemi 'Cuda. But why would I want a 38 year old car that "only" puts out 425 horsepower? Instead, I opted to buy an '08 ACR knowing it is the last of a breed. It's not an investment by any means, and will be a losing proposition for years to come, but hopefully someday my kids will love that ACR for what it stands for in the time it was built and remember rides in the wildest factory racer on the street. And no matter how many owners a car may have, there can only ever be one original owner whose name is on the window sticker (and I intend to keep mine forever!).

In that sense, I view myself as owner, driver and caretaker of a piece of American automotive history. All Vipers are special, but an ACR will always be the barely street legal track car that Dodge produced for a short time "before the Motor Law" (Rush fans will get the reference)...

 

[cheryl mccally]

I love my ACR and it's my 3rd Viper, I sold my other two. The ACR feels and looks nothing like the other Vipers. The only other Viper I have ever driven that even comes close to the new ACR is my friend's '08 650 Hennessey Venom pkg convertible that he built. He now wants to sell it and buy an ACR. I drive the ACR every day for everything I do, it's my only car. I absolutely love it and never get tired on how those Belangers sound when I fire him up! I also leave the track splitter in all the time and have the ride height and suspension set for the track. I drive it that way all the time with no problems. You can't do 80 on the freeway when it's raining on those Sport Cups though, you have to slow down a little bit.

 

[doctorbob]

Oops....looks like a bad thread for doctors. I have had seven vipers including the two 2008s that I currently own. I am selling my 2008 convertible and you can see my post in the SRT section. I wanted something different. I am known for putting lots of miles on these cars. I had concerns about the ACR and held on the convertible for that reason and several others. I agree that one of the reasons that I bought the ACR was it is probably the end of the muscle car era forever and I wanted just to own one. It will probably be the last viper that I will own since I am heading towards retirement at a somewhat early age and will need to downsize eventually. Twenty five years as a health care professional and surgical subspecialist does take it toll on you. I wanted to be a doctor at age 5 and have achieved my goals but to the detriment of my personal life. Vipers have been a great "stress reliever" for a bad day. Bottom line and my opinion is to save the money and start with a coupe or convertible. The ACR, however, is a great driving car. I do think it rides better than the stock car and I do not plan on driving above 180(upper limit of the ACR due to wing downforce) on a regular basis.

 

[ViperGal]

you have an IM

 

[Grant]

I assume that Grant means to suggest that Aero robs the ACR of top speed.

Yes, thats what I meant. The difference is most obvious on the 4->5 shift which occurs at around 160. The acceleration after the shift is a third of what it was before!

cheryl, I drive my car quite a bit with track-ready ride heights and the front splitter installed... but its your only car? Wow.

 

[Dads Toy]

wow, thanks very much for all of the answers. its 2am and I had to get up to see if I got any responses to this thread. How's that for snake bitten?

Love most of the answers about getting one of the Last true Muscle cars of thie era, I did not think about that but I did imagine one in my new Garage of my retirement home. I am not rich, I do have a good job and a new ACR would be one years pay for me but in another 15 months I will be debt free.

This Viper is my present to myself for working hard my whole life and bouncing back. (OK, I don't bounce too well anymore) I have lost 2 homes, an Army Career and most of my family in 2000. (wife and 3 daughters in a bad car accident) Put me in a hospital for 8 months. I broke my neck in 3 places and my lower back in 2 places. I have metal plates in my neck and rods in my back. I had to start over after my ex wife handed me divorce papers 2 days after coming home from Iraq (Army), she paid no bills the whole time I was over there and on an Army Salary, it was impossible to keep our house. THen after the accident where I lost my current wife and 3 younger girls I lost hope and our new house. I did not want to live, but had an older daughter from my first wife. I now have my daughter living with me and a beautiful grand daughter who I adore.

I think I have been through a lot and this viper was supposed to be my 50th birthday present to myself for all I have been through and being able to get back on my feet after losing everything twice. well I am 50 this year and my daughter and grand daughter have delayed my present. But I have them and again will be completely debt free in 15 months. Then my plan is to decide how much I can afford for a present that I will keep forever and pass on to my daughter. The ACR will be a piece of history. I do love cars and am also building a 1/4 mile only TA. its paid for, but I do have a nice list of go fast parts for it. that project will be put on hold until after I get and pay for my VIper. I can't afford to "Buy" one but with no bills I can afford to get one and pay it off in 3-4 years. It would be a garage queen just like a normal viper if I bought it. But I also do drive my cars and this one would be a weekend fun car.

oops, rambled on way too long and need to go to sleep. baby wakes up early since she started day care.

again thank you for all of the replies.

 

[doctorbob]

Time for me to drop back in on this one. In your circumstances, I would not buy an ACR. To go into serious debt for a ACR or any viper for that matter is a BIG mistake. These cars not only cost money to buy but also are expensive to operate and repair. Your daughter is going to care less about having a viper as an heirloom and care more about being out of debt and living a reasonable lifestyle. In my humble opinion, I would advise saving your money, not buying a viper now, and maybe taking a look at viper pricing in one or two years.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

I most likely would not go to the track to race it

You answered your own question. It's bad enough that some regular Vipers don't see track time but it is a sin for an ACR not to spend time on the track. In fact, I think it is pathetic that an ACR would be purchased and never tracked.

You're in KC. ViperDays.com comes to KC. When you get your Viper (ACR or not) do yourself a big favor and sign up with Skip Thomas at Viper Days.

Vipers aren't poser cars, they are performance cars. Use it.

 

[Dads Toy]

Dr Bob,
I am curious about your response. I stated that I would be looking to buy a Viper in 15 months when I am debt free. My house was paid for from money from my accident years ago. I will have no bills at all except utilities and taxes. My daughter started working for the same company that I work for last month and will be able to support her self. She is a car nut like her dad and wants to learn to race my Trans Am. Again, I am not rich but I do make almost 100K a year. Why are you saying that I would be going into serious debt? I understand that 100K is a lot of money for a car/toy but if it is my only bill and I am sure I can pay it off in 3-4 years how is that serious debt? I do not have tons of money sitting around outside of my retirement fund (which is falling right now, thanks to the stock market) but I will have close to 2 million in savings/401k when I retire based on current contributions and a very conservative 3% expected return.

I do appreciate your advice but I do plan on getting a Viper in 15 months. If this is my weekend car in nice weather only, what am I missing? I understand tires are very expensive compared to my daily driver and tunes I am sure are more than what I pay for the maintenance on my own cars. I do most of the work myself.

Thanks for telling me about Viper days in KC, I will check that out for sure. I do appreciate all of the comments. I did not know they had a road corse any where near KC. that will make me rethink racing. I go to KCIR, Topeka and St Louis to race my TA. Always been a 1/4 mile guy but would love to see the other side.

 

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

Buy it, it sounds as if you can afford it. Remember I warned you on the other thread about going to Woodhouse? I knew this would happen!
It is fine on the street, I also have a GTS but it has hardly moved since the ACR arrived. I have taken it everywhere with no worries. It is set at the rough track height, 3/4 in lowered and the suspension is on the "street settings" Set that way nothing has been an issue in terms of clearing anything or the ride. I have had it on the track settings and that is a little uncomfortable on the street But why run it that way on the street anyway? That's why they make it adjustable.
As far as clearance the height of the front splitter (remember mine is slightly lowered) is exactly the same height off the ground as the lowest point on a GTS, it does stick out a bit more but so far the ACR has been able to clear anything the GTS could.
It was even fine in Detrot at VOI, it went everywhere anyone else did.
One thing I did do is put a set of PS2's on it for the street and kept the cups for the track only. The wheels are available to get a second set. That's the only adjustment I made for the street as I was a little afraid of the cups in the rain and they are also really susceptible to cutting on the street and I hate risking a flat tire as we get a long way from home and are really out in the boonies with some of our club stuff.
Something no one has mentioned is that I think it will depreciate a lot less than a regular Viper. It's that old story about supply and demand. They just are not making that many of them.
I think it's safe to say it will wind up being the best Viper ever made and that's what made it a simple decision to me. It looks pretty good in a crowd of other Vipers too.
Poser alert!

 

[als 08 viper acr]

Dr Bob,
I am curious about your response. I stated that I would be looking to buy a Viper in 15 months when I am debt free. My house was paid for from money from my accident years ago. I will have no bills at all except utilities and taxes. My daughter started working for the same company that I work for last month and will be able to support her self. She is a car nut like her dad and wants to learn to race my Trans Am. Again, I am not rich but I do make almost 100K a year. Why are you saying that I would be going into serious debt? I understand that 100K is a lot of money for a car/toy but if it is my only bill and I am sure I can pay it off in 3-4 years how is that serious debt? I do not have tons of money sitting around outside of my retirement fund (which is falling right now, thanks to the stock market) but I will have close to 2 million in savings/401k when I retire based on current contributions and a very conservative 3% expected return.

I do appreciate your advice but I do plan on getting a Viper in 15 months. If this is my weekend car in nice weather only, what am I missing? I understand tires are very expensive compared to my daily driver and tunes I am sure are more than what I pay for the maintenance on my own cars. I do most of the work myself.

Thanks for telling me about Viper days in KC, I will check that out for sure. I do appreciate all of the comments. I did not know they had a road corse any where near KC. that will make me rethink racing. I go to KCIR, Topeka and St Louis to race my TA. Always been a 1/4 mile guy but would love to see the other side.

I don't consider Viper expensive to Maintain unless possibly you are tracking them. I had a 2003 Viper for 4.5 years & only spent about $800.00 . I put 13K miles during this period & tires did not need replacing yet.

 

[doctorbob]

Sorry if I misunderstood your prior post. I got the impression that you had no savings after "getting out of debt".

 

[eucharistos]

I love my ACR and it's my 3rd Viper, .... I drive the ACR every day for everything I do, it's my only car.

I love my ACR
it's my 3rd Viper,
I drive the ACR every day
for everything I do,
it's my only car.

thumbs up to you

 

[jm24ond6]

I've had my 08 ACR for 2 weeks now and absolutely love it. It's good on the street, but definitely needs to see the track. If you can swing it, I say go for it. It's impossible to put a value on how happy this car makes me. It's so fun to drive and I have so much respect for it. Not just it's capabilities, I just flat out respect it. It's hard to explain how driving this car makes you feel. All I can say is that it was a great purchase.

 

[PDCjonny]

I'll chime in, and probably regret the beating I'll take on this post.

I too was looking for a "regular" Viper when I came across the ACR and had to have it. I understand its capabilities, and didn't buy it just for looks, but I am definitely not up to the experienced driver level that the car can accommodate.

So, why did I buy an ACR then? Well, first the money did not make a difference to me between an aero-equipped vert that I first wanted and a few extra bucks for an ACR. What got me into the ACR was complete respect for its capabilities and the hope that someday I may be as good a driver to be able to use it all. Until then, I'll be careful with the car and go through some professional driving courses. I do intend to drive this car, but knowing its capabilities has made me far more hesitant to lay into it versus other high HP, electronically monitored and controlled cars I've owned in the past.

Second, I fully believe the ACR is the last hurrah of the neo-Muscle era that started back in the early 90's. Growing up, I was in love with muscle from the '60s and 70's, and I was tempted to lay money down to buy a Hemi 'Cuda. But why would I want a 38 year old car that "only" puts out 425 horsepower? Instead, I opted to buy an '08 ACR knowing it is the last of a breed. It's not an investment by any means, and will be a losing proposition for years to come, but hopefully someday my kids will love that ACR for what it stands for in the time it was built and remember rides in the wildest factory racer on the street. And no matter how many owners a car may have, there can only ever be one original owner whose name is on the window sticker (and I intend to keep mine forever!).

In that sense, I view myself as owner, driver and caretaker of a piece of American automotive history. All Vipers are special, but an ACR will always be the barely street legal track car that Dodge produced for a short time "before the Motor Law" (Rush fans will get the reference)...

Bravo. Well done...

 

[Dads Toy]

thanks Dr Bob,

I try to do all the right things for retirement. You know, max out your 401k, have some IRA's and a couple of months cash on hand. I do not touch that money. I am making double and triple payments to be debt free in 15 months. then as a reward to me and depending on what ever would come up I think I deserve a Viper. I know I do not need an ACR but when I buy a car/toy no matter what price 20k up to what ever. I never want to say, "I sure wish I would of bought ***" I am positive I will love any Viper I get but like others have posted the ACR is just the top of the Viper developement to me and I guess others no doubt. I will drive this car on weekends and now that I know there is a local viper days in KC I would be very tempted to try it out. I figure I can swing one nice big car payment for 3-4 years since it will be my only bill. Agreed?

My other choice would be to buy a nice used Viper for around 40-50k and also pick up a used c6 vette for about 30-35k.

As long as no other major disaster happens to me ( I think I have had more than my share) I think its time for grandpa to buy himself an awesome toy or a couple of very nice toys. Once those are paid for I will sell my curent house and buy my retirement home. Can't stay in the current house because the master bedroom is on the second floor and I know for fact my back will go out on me in the next 10 years. I have a floor plan picked out with a 6 car garage and first floor master. Goal is to fill that garage with nice toys to admire and yes even drive them.

 

[gb66gth]

Having just been on the track in my '08 convert. along with someone else in a new ACR. I kept up with them just fine on track, plus I get all the benifits of the more streetable of the two cars. So, unless you are going for those final 10th's on the track, get a good used coupe or convertible and save the $$$.

 

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

Having just been on the track in my '08 convert. along with someone else in a new ACR. I kept up with them just fine on track, plus I get all the benifits of the more streetable of the two cars. So, unless you are going for those final 10th's on the track, get a good used coupe or convertible and save the $$$.

Congratulations, you are one hell of a driver, or the ACR guy *****. One of those combinations is the ONLY thing that would allow you to keep up with an ACR.

 

[02 Graphite GTS]

Dad's Toy,
Don't settle for anything less than what your heart and soul truly wants / desires.
Let's face it, we really don't need a Viper to exist, but if you are going to exist, you may as well do so knowing that you own the absolute best.

I vote for the ACR.

Good luck and best wishes for whatever you choose.

 

[Dads Toy]

thanks,

I figure I only live once and want to enjoy my 50's. I am not getting younger and I really would love any viper. just trying to justify an ACR vs a nice used viper. maybe in 15 months I can find a nice used ACR for a reasonable price.

 

[cheryl mccally]

Yes, thats what I meant. The difference is most obvious on the 4->5 shift which occurs at around 160. The acceleration after the shift is a third of what it was before!

cheryl, I drive my car quite a bit with track-ready ride heights and the front splitter installed... but its your only car? Wow.

Yeah, I passed all the Viper Days trucks heading to Eagles Canyon Raceway for the VRL Finals this weekend in Texas on my way home from work. In the rain too but on PS2s not cups. So now I have witnesses that I drive him everywhere all the time. I'll change out the wheels and go race this weekend, that's what is sooo special about the ACR.