Will a 2006 Launch or 2006 VCA satisfy a Mid Life Crisis

[turkeydriver]

Finally, kids are graduating college and I can spend money on myself! This summer I hope to pull the trigger on a 2006 Launch or 2006 VCA - although a 1996 b/w GTS isn’t out of the question, either. At Tomball/BJ why would a 2006 VCA r/w (4K miles) cost $5000 less than a 2006 Launch b/w (13k miles) when 150 more units of the latter were produced? Is b/w so much more desirable? For those that may have driven both, how does the driving experience compare between the 2006 and the 1996?

[Creatre]

Finally, kids are graduating college and I can spend money on myself! This summer I hope to pull the trigger on a 2006 Launch or 2006 VCA - although a 1996 b/w GTS isn’t out of the question, either. At Tomball/BJ why would a 2006 VCA r/w (4K miles) cost $5000 less than a 2006 Launch b/w (13k miles) when 150 more units of the latter were produced? Is b/w so much more desirable? For those that may have driven both, how does the driving experience compare between the 2006 and the 1996?

Yes, B/W is that much more desirable. Gen 2 vs Gen 3 are completely different driving experiences. I personally like the Gen 3 for a mix of the rawness with some modern (00s) amenities, aka decent brakes and a/c lol. I'd recommend seeing if a local wouldn't mind giving you a ride or stop at a cars&coffee and check out the differences of the two generations up close.

Vipers are definitely a cure for a mid-life crisis. Unfortunately they then become a "life long crisis" because you are hooked!

Good luck on your search!

[Timnineside]

Hey TurkeyDriver where in Michigan are you? I'm over here in Muskegon MI. Shoot me a message sometime if you want to chat. I have a Gen V and Gen 3 here if you'd like to check either out.

The B&W are the iconic Viper colors and tend to sell for more and be more desirable. The VCA edition was a cool car as well though.

I had a 99 GTS and I can tell you the Gen 3 and Gen 2 are totally different cars. The Gen 3 is a nicer over all car, faster, more comfortable and if you're going to do some track days stock vs stock the gen 3 is a better buy for not much more.

However, if you like the iconic looks and styling of the Gen 2 you can't go wrong but make sure you drive/ride in both before you buy.

-Tim

[Ninjakris]

I used to own a VCA coupe. Great car, only 50 made. Unlike most, I've never been much of a Gen II fan. Try to drive both and see what you like. Both the 96 & 06 are just desirable color combo's, otherwise they are the same as any other car of the same year.

Will it satisfy your mid life crisis? Only one way to find out. Do it!

[turkeydriver]

Thanks for the input, Creatre. I will also take that advice and look up a local for a ride. I know metro Detroit has a VOA chapter. I actually tried to join it but ran into a Catch-22. I want to join so that I can access proper people and channels to purchase a Viper, but I’m not permitted to join a Vipers owner association because I don’t own one��. I guess I’ll look up the location of an upcoming event and crash it. And I don’t mind a crisis I can handle....

[turkeydriver]

Hey Tim. I’m over here in Troy. I don’t make it over to your neck of the woods very often, but I certainly appreciate the kind offer to walk through your personal Viper pit out there. I think I will check out the local metro Detroit chapter, if they let me crash one of their parties. Gotta be honest, I do like blue vipers.....If I have questions as I learn more, I’ll send one your way.
- Dave

[turkeydriver]

Thanks for the encouragement, Ninjakris. And I will do it. I do have to sell a motorcycle to make room in the garage, first. I see your VCA was supercharged. Is engine/drivetrain life compromised at all with that set up?

[Ninjakris]

Thanks for the encouragement, Ninjakris. And I will do it. I do have to sell a motorcycle to make room in the garage, first. I see your VCA was supercharged. Is engine/drivetrain life compromised at all with that set up?

Yes, mine had the Paxton supercharger kit on it. The original owner had the supercharger installed when the car was brand new. I bought it several years later with ~10K miles. I put an additional 15K miles on it which included a few 1/2 mile race events. The car ran great and even with a stock clutch, I never had any issues. I did put high flow cat’s on it to cool the side sills down, but it wasn’t necessary. The guy who bought the car from me now has around 50K miles on it. The factory stock clutch is on its last leg, but otherwise he tell me the car still runs fine. Proper preventative maintenance goes a long ways on these cars. I’ll also add that I was only pushing like 5-6psi or whatever the Paxton kit produces. It made around 680whp. I’ve been told that over 700whp is a time bomb since the engine doesn’t have forged internals. Moral of the story, don’t be afraid of a supercharged car if it’s done right.

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

Finally, kids are graduating college and I can spend money on myself! This summer I hope to pull the trigger on a 2006 Launch or 2006 VCA - although a 1996 b/w GTS isn’t out of the question, either. At Tomball/BJ why would a 2006 VCA r/w (4K miles) cost $5000 less than a 2006 Launch b/w (13k miles) when 150 more units of the latter were produced? Is b/w so much more desirable? For those that may have driven both, how does the driving experience compare between the 2006 and the 1996?

Collectibility / demand is best with 96 GTS B/W; Then, 2006 Launch B/W; {I purchased those first 2 retail units out the door at CAAP!}. Either car should satisfy your crisis and need-4-speed.

If you are a BIG guy, I find the cockpit is more comfortable in my 96 ! A bit more hip and elbow room. The driving experience is virtually identical, but DONT use the Run-Crap tires that came on 06. The 55 HP is not that big a factor, and you would only know because you know.... the 06 ABS is nicer-safer than 96. Good Luck.

[Gen3CoupeTX]

Yes, mine had the Paxton supercharger kit on it. The original owner had the supercharger installed when the car was brand new. I bought it several years later with ~10K miles. I put an additional 15K miles on it which included a few 1/2 mile race events. The car ran great and even with a stock clutch, I never had any issues. I did put high flow cat’s on it to cool the side sills down, but it wasn’t necessary. The guy who bought the car from me now has around 50K miles on it. The factory stock clutch is on its last leg, but otherwise he tell me the car still runs fine. Proper preventative maintenance goes a long ways on these cars. I’ll also add that I was only pushing like 5-6psi or whatever the Paxton kit produces. It made around 680whp. I’ve been told that over 700whp is a time bomb since the engine doesn’t have forged internals. Moral of the story, don’t be afraid of a supercharged car if it’s done right.

Correct answer! I've been using nitrous since the mid 80's, and superchargers since 2001. Folks always tell me it's going to go BOOM. Not if you do it right, don't cut corners, or beat the hell out of it. Bit like drinking ... Enjoy responsibly! Admittedly, I wasn't good at following that rule with alcohol in 90's. But the moderation point is still valid ;-)

[Unorthodox]

Get a VOI9 (White/Blue Stripes) :)

I loved the B/W until I saw a W/B......

https://www.bjmotors.biz/2006-dodge-viper-voi9-87-of-100-c-13429.htm

Michael

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

Not to be an annoying nit-picking perfectionist, but White/Blue came out in 1995 as 96RT, BEFORE any Blue/whites! and again 98 GT2 and 05 SRT Commem. 3 times vs 2 !

[turkeydriver]

Thanks for educating me about that. I guess the only problem would be buying someone else's without knowing how hard it was driven.

[turkeydriver]

Thanks, JonB. Can you educate me about tire options (for '06 or '96)? Like, what makes the run-flat undesirable and what tire is most desirable? Purchase from a tire dealer or order on-line? TIA.
-Dave T

[turkeydriver]

I like it, Sassy!

[SilverACR]

Thanks, JonB. Can you educate me about tire options (for '06 or '96)? Like, what makes the run-flat undesirable and what tire is most desirable? Purchase from a tire dealer or order on-line? TIA.
-Dave T

Tires my friend are an absolute critical peice of a viper. These cars have so much torque that they Easily over drive hard tires. Run flats have stiffer compound/ sidewalls for emergencies and they give up traction to do it. You’ll see a lot of people here talk about old tires being a problem due to the tires getting harder and the run flats are basically designed this way. Tires are a much debated issue with vipers and all gens benefit from good tires, so in any case do your best to run tires les than 5/6 years old and not run flats. A G3 has a good selection of tires as it can run all the latest gen tires outside of the ACR 19-19”. (You can run the rears if you’re not tracking or driving hard where mixed ratings matter)

[sonicbloo]

I changed my runflats to michelin, now I keep 2 tins of tyreweld and a valve removal tool for emergency in the trunk. Gen 2's carry a spare wheel, but there is no space in a gen 3.

Is this what other guys do?

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

Thanks, JonB. Can you educate me about tire options (for '06 or '96)? Like, what makes the run-flat undesirable and what tire is most desirable? Purchase from a tire dealer or order on-line? TIA.
-Dave T

Sponsor PartsRack has already sold $3,000,000.00+ in Viper-sized tires. So you might try here !

Call me for info too lengthy to type. 360-837-3937 10a-2p Pacific is best