I had convertibles as a kid, bad experiences the tops are expensive to replace and a pocket knife will turn the top into garbage. Easily to steal from. Convertibles are not as stiff as a hardtop and therefor don't handle as well. Gen 1, 3 and 4 are side exhaust (you know, right outside the window). Convertibles have 6cubic feet of cargo space. 2 tiny suitcases of 1 small suitcase, 1 or 2 golf bags. Noiseier.
The GTS has rear exit exhaust which not only quiets the noise from the pilot's seat, but mellows out the tone. The newer coupes and GTS are safer in a crash, allowed to go 1.5 seconds faster at the drag strip and don't need a rollbar until a higher class of race car. GTS is 4mph faster and if we were allowed to drive at 170mpg would probably get better mileage because of the aerodynamics. 12 cf of cargo space means that I can fit 2small suitcases on top of the gas tank behind the seats and 2 or 3 more suitcases in the trunk. Wife even bring a case of her shoes along on trips. The Gen 2 cars RT10 and GTS have Lumbar adjustments as there is a squeeze bulb that pumps up the seat. I like the GTS so much that I bought 2. I like superchargers so much that I have 2 Paxton and Roe. I have 50,000miles on my Roe supercharged GTS and although I have modified nearly everything, the only problem I have is the tune and that's because of where I live. I suspect that my problem is actually a loose connector in the 02 system. At 21,000 miles I understand that my 2000 Paxton ACR had an alarm problem before I bought it - that was fixed. AT the moment all I need to fix is the backup switch and the Paxton oil return line on the ACR.
I upgraded (read modified) brakes on both cars. Both cars are supercharged without problems. Both cars have Nitrous Oxide although only the ACR has used it. Both cars have superior exhaust systems (although stock headers on ACR). 01 GTS has a Macedo built engine and I removed the heads and ported them when a head gasket started to seep. Both cars have modified (Unitrax) axles. HID lights in 2001 GTS. Bluetooth stereo head unit in 01 and upgraded speakers (mods) in both. Both have better tires than original (Gen 3 runcraps the worst). Shifters have been changed in both cars (more mods). Lightweight VR1s on 2001 and comaprable stock ACR BBS wheels on 2000 ACR. Although ACR models came with double adjustable ($10,000) racing shocks, extra hp, race 5 pt. harnesses stock, and lightweight wheels they were stock so don't count as modifications? My 2000 has a Venom rear spoiler and one VCA member sent me a message stating that the spoiler would help maintain stability in a thunderstorm that sounded like a good story (which he didn't share). I installed a Roe Racing front fascia scoop for improved aerodynamics and cooling. I purchased a Venom spoiler for that car, however it's not painted yet. I plan to install a Roe Racing spoiler into the ACR to balance the rear Venom spoiler already on the car.
To each his own on good mods. Some people think that cruise control is good. They don't realise that in a powerful car like a Viper without other nannies like TC CC is exstremely dangerous. There are good tuners and bad tuners so it's not just the mods that are done that need to be considered good or bad but the instal must be considered good of bad. Everyone has different ideas.
If you're not used to 11 sec cars then a supercharger and/or Nitrous Oxide might kill you. If you normally drive an 11 sec street car and have experience in 9 sec cars you probably need a supercharger on your Viper.
My wife hates stripes and spoilers. MY cars have stripes and soon both will have spoilers. My wife thinks that a stock Viper is too loud and MY Vipers both have Corsa exhaust with the 01 GTS being very loud. PS1s came on the GTS while SRT10 came with Zero Pressure tires that I found to have no traction and dangerous with even 600rwhp. When JonB convinced me to buy PS2s I am now ready to finish the Nitrous Oxide instal in my 01 GTS because NOW there is traction even in second gear! With the exhaust changes both MY GTSs have cool sills and no Cabin heat problems. Both my modified GTSs get 20mpg with the more stock Paxton car getting a bit less than the Roe supercharged GTS.
I upgrade every car I buy. Government requiring Cats that cost 2mpg increases CO2 and CO emissions and hurts gas mileage. They aslo restrict the sound quality.
To mod or not to mod - it's your choice, but Cats, exhaust, air filters and tires NEED to be modified/upgraded for a Viper to be nice. Bluetooth is also a choice. No phone is best as it interferes with the joy of driving, but if you must ... Premier DEH790BT is an automatic handsfree, voice activated, ipod ready, sat radio ready, etc. modern high quality stereo unit. They also make ear clip-ons for those that like the full size earrings, lol.
Ted
