Thoughts on this...

[GruFFnuTT]

Hi all,

I met a few of the Viper Forum at Le Mans (Team Langoustine site) last year (and the year before that) and I sat in a couple of their cars; Pete's racer and a lovely red one with a crazy splitter up front parked under its own tent!!! Having consumed several thousand stubbies that weekend and losing 'the rev off' to Pete and his bolts of flame, I vowed I'd get one... Maybe...
Having sold my Monaro VXR last summer to hunt for a supercharged one with big power, I've found myself checking out the Vipers again, but they are usually way out of my price range. I have just seen a 1999 Viper in the classifieds and it's in my favourite colour 'black'.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/d...

I was just wondering what you guys think of it?
I've never looked at one to buy, I've never driven one and I've done no research... Yet.
YES... I am impulsive when I see a good looking car and I know I'd be having to fund quite a bit more than my big power Monaro, but then... It's a Viper!!!
Just want to make sure I don't miss out on 'Viper ownership' before committing to another Monaro.

Cheers guys

Edited by GruFFnuTT on Friday 11th April 23:32

[GruFFnuTT]

Wow, it already has forged internals!? I had no clue... That's great, thanks for that.
I'll certainly consider the checks nearer the time.
I've not been excited about a car in yonks!!!

[GruFFnuTT]

It's sold. I was too late... Argh!!!

[GruFFnuTT]

Show me one in my budget and I'll buy it!!!

[GruFFnuTT]

A couple of days on from my initial disappointment and I'm still 'sick as a dog' over it!!!

The only other car potentially in my budget is a mint Gen 1 in yellow. This car is not actually too far away from where I live, but it's not quite the Gen 2 I've missed out on. Having researched some cars in the States, I'm realising how much of a bargain it would have been.

There's also a white Hennessey Gen 1 on Cars&Classics which has some bold power claims from a N/A engine. I would have been aiming for 600Bhp out of the Monaro with a charger...

I'm worried I'll be spending my summer searching for a car rather than enjoying the various motoring meets, as I don't suppose they come up for sale very often. I don't ever recall seeing one being driven on the British roads. That's something I would have remembered for sure.

Is this the so called 'Viper Bug'?
I really, really, really, really, really want one!!!
I 've even got the missus on side

[GruFFnuTT]

Haha, I've lost interest in all the other cars I was considering:
Superchargered Monaro/VXR8
Dodge Challenger
Corvette C6 (modded)
Camaro...

Looks like I'll have to be patient and attack the classifieds daily.
One good thing is, that I'm now focused on a car that I've always wanted but which I thought would be unattainable. (Still got to measure the garage yet to be 100%)

Are there any Viper owners in Hampshire?
I've never seen one at any of the local meets or even Goodwood!!! Plenty of Zondas and Veyrons! Yawn!

[GruFFnuTT]

Ginja said:

I take mine to Goodwood loads. Last year after the SuperCar Sunday breakfast club I was delighted to be followed almost to home by one of the veyrons

Ah, I didn't make it to Supercar Sunday last year which will explain me missing your car! Damn!
Always a good turnout though, love it!!!
I'll have to keep an eye out for the Vipers this year.
I'm also having a break from Le Mans this year, so I'll miss a good opportunity to chat to the Viper gang that show up every year. It's always good walking past a whole row of Vipers...

[GruFFnuTT]

Corv99 said:

Yes gruff I'm in similar position, need to sit in one, ride in one etc.. In theory should fit in my garage too, but need to double check, then it maybe doom time!

Hi Corv,

Yeah, I saw your post that you were interested in Viper ownership too.
I wonder how many other people are Viper shopping? Hopefully not that many.
I'm calling 'dibs' on the black ones!!!
Do you have any idea what car you're after?
I'd always liked the GTS models, but since I've been looking I've found the roadsters much more appealing.
A Gen2 with the forged internals and the aggressive styling cues is what I'd be after, although tbh I'm really not that fussy.
I can feel my budget going out of the window at this rate.
It certainly is 'Doom Time'!!! Haha

[GruFFnuTT]

ViperDave said:

As I only have about 12 months of available garaging left I guess my GTS will be up for sale soon as well.

Its in Hampshire btw.

I'll let you keep it in my garage if you like?

[GruFFnuTT]

Ginja said:

Pretty sure I've seen this mentioned elsewhere on here but I saw it in the flesh at Dunsfold yesterday and from a very quick look it looked very tidy.

http://www.ashsales.co.uk/used-cars/dodge-viper-al...

Yeah, this car is located in Aldershot only about 60 miles from me, so I'll wander over and take a look.
You'd never lose that in a car park!!!

[GruFFnuTT]

Unfortunately, the Viper will have to wait. A classic Mustang cropped up which having viewed, I couldn't resist.
At least it will be a good introduction to LHD until the day comes when I find the right Viper.
In the meantime, I will enjoy the 'Stang and maybe I'll see some of your cars in the future at various meets.

All the best guys and happy driving

GruFF

[GruFFnuTT]

Won't be going to Le Mans this year, but next year for sure!!!

Here's what I bought and yes, it certainly is different!

Rebuilt '71 Mach 1 351 Cleveland 4-barrel engine with all high-performance parts. High performance C6 transmission rebuilt, 9 inch rear end 3:55 posi, new suspension throughout, power steering, power brakes, all new interior, console, air conditioning, Ram Air hood, tinted windows, spoilers front and back and custom car painted Boss wheels.

















Original 351 rebuilt engine
Ported and polished 4-barrel heads
Aluminium high rise intake
Holley dual feed 750 carburettor K&N cleaner
MSD distributor
MSD 6A box
MSD coil
MSD 8.5mm wires
Hooker big tube ceramic coated headers
Flat top forged pistons
Competition cam valve train
Competition cam
Heavy duty radiator
Original transmission rebuilt with high performance parts
TCI 2400 stall converter
B&M shift kit
9 inch rear end posi 3:55 ratio with Moser axles
Heavy duty away bar front and rear
Aluminized 2 1/2 inch true duals
Flowmaster 40 series mufflers
Stainless exhaust tips
Custom candy painted Boss 18x10's:
Front 285/40ZR-18 Nitto Extreme Performance
Rear P305/40R-18 Nitto Drag Radials

[GruFFnuTT]

Glad you approve of the car Corv.
Technically it will fit in the garage, but practically, no.
It has a cover for the summer and I'm using a neighbours nice big empty garage for the rainy periods and winter storage.
Storage was a big worry, but I'm pleased I have that 'covered' now (excuse the pun)
'Stang is 16'x6'!!!