Traded in my 2014 GTS

[Dr.Ron]

While I can proudly say that I owned a Viper, I had to unload mine. Same as I found myself looking at Vipers 3 years into ownership of my 2011 Carbon Edition C6Z06, I found myself looking at C7Z06's 3.5 years into my Viper ownership... And then it happened....for the THIRD time my tranny took a crap and had to be replaced under warranty. Yes, the third time! After the 2nd time I offered to pay out of my pocket to upgrade the PLASTIC parts the tranny shop told me were in the transmission that they promised me were going to break again. I was also going to swap to a better 4th gear to avoid a 4-5 shift at the track. The service manager asked Dodge for permission and they actually said NO, it would void my warranty! Can you imagine?

Anyway I took this as a sign and traded it in after the repairs were complete on a 6,000 mile 2018 C7Z06 w/ the Z07 package. We swapped keys and they gave me $2,000 cash. Saved me over $5,000 in sales tax too doing it as a trade in.

I thought back and my Viper was in the shop TWELVE times, including 3 for the tranny rebuild, twice for the inner door clip rattles (both doors), once when I lost the clutch due to one of the fluid lines coming loose while pulling into a restaurant parking lot, twice for the door rubbing/grinding (they replaced the hinge), once for the AC leaking & blowing warm air (not that it ever blew very cold), once for the fuel pressure sensor going bad, once for a leaking oil line, and once to replace the rear diff (it was whining & i never realized how much until they put the new quiet one).

The car definitely was a head turner and received 2-3 compliments every time I drove it. It was black but paint corrected and ceramic coated so it looked brand new all the time. While I am glad that I was fortunate enough to have owned a Viper and I got to track it about 5 or 6 times, I am sorry to say I do not miss it. The Z06 is much more refined and so much more comfortable to be in & drive. I will have it out on the track in the spring and I am anxious to compare lap times.

This is a great forum and I want to thank everyone that contributes to it. I will still check back in from time to time in all likelihood.

Happy Holidays!

Ron

PS-I still have my Carbotech 1521 low dust brake pads (plenty of life left) and a set of lightly used TPMS for sale on the cheap if anyone is interested.

[98intrigue]

Sorry to see you go, Ron. I can certainly understand your qualms with the transmission. My car is starting to develop a slight grind in 3rd and 4th. Of the 5 Gen V cars I’ve had, only 1 didn’t have a transmission issue. Of the 3 previous cars that did have issues, I had 2 transmissions replaced and 2 transmissions rebuilt (all under warranty). My current car is no longer under warranty, so I will most likely send it out to RPM Transmissions for a rebuild - just received a quote from them this morning after inquiring yesterday evening. Oh, the car that didn’t have a transmission issue did have the diff replaced under warranty due to a whine. Ugh! It looks bad when you write it all down :(

[zee]

Ron, sorry to hear this! At what mileage did all the issues start happening? It’s crazy that some cars are so solid and others can be nightmares.

[Scott_in_fl]

Ron, sorry to hear about this, but I understand your plight with all of those issues.

That said, you will be back. How do I know? Because I've been there, with a 2017 Z06.

The Z06 is a great car, with amazing sound, all the creature comforts, a true daily driver. But, you're going to miss the handling and the character of the Viper. I found the Z06 steering a bit numb, and could never "feel" the traction limits of the car like you can with a Viper. High speed turns felt vague and unsure in the C7, whereas the Viper always feels planted and glued to the tarmac (although I am also comparing an ACR-E, so not entirely fair). I also found that the Z06 was too comfortable -- it lacks the tight, racecar cockpit feel of the Viper, which is great for a daily but not so much for a fun car.

Thus, I've found that the Z06 is great for everyday use and the one I would choose for that job. But the Viper is the better car for those rare Sunday morning runs that only come around every once in a while.

[blingnoring]

Ron, sorry to hear about this, but I understand your plight with all of those issues.

That said, you will be back. How do I know? Because I've been there, with a 2017 Z06.

The Z06 is a great car, with amazing sound, all the creature comforts, a true daily driver. But, you're going to miss the handling and the character of the Viper. I found the Z06 steering a bit numb, and could never "feel" the traction limits of the car like you can with a Viper. High speed turns felt vague and unsure in the C7, whereas the Viper always feels planted and glued to the tarmac (although I am also comparing an ACR-E, so not entirely fair). I also found that the Z06 was too comfortable -- it lacks the tight, racecar cockpit feel of the Viper, which is great for a daily but not so much for a fun car.

Thus, I've found that the Z06 is great for everyday use and the one I would choose for that job. But the Viper is the better car for those rare Sunday morning runs that only come around every once in a while.

on the money Scott

[Dr.Ron]

I got the car with 1475 miles and the 1st transmission issue hit at around 4-5,000 if I remember correctly. The last tranny and rear diff issues hit within the last 5-700 miles of ownership.

I only track 2-4 days/year so the more comfortable driving is more of a priority, so I honestly doubt I'll buy another Viper.

[SRT_BluByU]

I think the TR6060 Transmission in the Viper is the same as the camaro, challenger, corvette, etc.. pretty common box.

[EX1]

Sorry to see you go. The TR6060 trans is usually a solid piece. Its weird that you went through 3 of them. My GT500 and my Z06 also had the TR6060 and I never had a reliability issue even with lots of track time. Something else must of been causing the issue. I am also not surprised that Dodge did not want to warranty non Tremec pieces in the transmission. No OEM would do that.

How often was the rear diff serviced?

Enjoy the new car!

[Dr.Ron]

I figured upgraded parts in order to avoid Dodge footing the bill for a rebuild would be a no brainer for them, but whatever. They got what was predicted I guess.
The rear diff was never serviced. It was whining from the beginning. I just lived with it until I couldn't take it any more. I didn't realize how loud and annoying it actually was until the new diff was installed. Night & day difference.

[swexlin]

Sorry to hear of your issues. As some of you know, I've had a love/hate relationship with the mediocre and inconsistent build quality. I too have had my diff replaced, and the oil cooler lines once, and one of the new fittings again, after it seeped almost immediately. No window issues (yet) but I never use the auto up/down feature - I ease them a little at a time. Door panel came loose, needed new clips. 14,000+ miles, I've owned it 5 years.

Don't track it, just street driving - and not much of that, due to poor weather and/or no time.

Good luck with the 'Vette, and let us know how you like it!

[Dr.Ron]

Sorry to hear of your issues. As some of you know, I've had a love/hate relationship with the mediocre and inconsistent build quality. I too have had my diff replaced, and the oil cooler lines once, and one of the new fittings again, after it seeped almost immediately. No window issues (yet) but I never use the auto up/down feature - I ease them a little at a time. Door panel came loose, needed new clips. 14,000+ miles, I've owned it 5 years.

Don't track it, just street driving - and not much of that, due to poor weather and/or no time.

Good luck with the 'Vette, and let us know how you like it!

I just edited my original post. I forgot about the leaking oil line I had too! You reminded me. : (
I added that to the list. My wife said for the longest time that the car was a lemon. I kept brushing her off defending them as all little dumb issues (except the transmission woes) & I never quantified them all until I see it all written down, as mentioned by 98intrigue, and holy crap! lol

Ron

[Arizona Vipers]

That sucks nothing worse than a car that keeps going back to the shop. It's a time thing, I don't have any spare time at all, so taking a car to the dealer for multiple problems is the WORST
Your Z06 will do similar lap times, would just come down to the tire which car is faster.

[Mark1107]

I had a 2016 Z06 and as a daily driver it’s awesome. Mine overheated at the track. The viper I beat like a step child but would never daily drive in Los Angeles traffic.

[Policy Limits]

Hit or miss cars. Competent dealership service providers are a challenge to find.

Corvettes are a dime a dozen but at least they are easier to get warranty work and are easier to get service.

[ACRSNK]

Good luck with the Z nice cars but definitely not as exciting as a Viper

[chris_lee]

Did the tranny issues just pop up or is there something I should be watching for? Right now it shifts better than any car I've owned. C7Z06 sounds like a solid trade as well!

[Rare Snake]

Sorry to hear this, Ron! You probably don't even know it, but you were a big help to me about track stuff over the years. So thank you.

Kind of widened my eyes a bit at your issues though. My car (14 GTS also) has been really solid, but I have a lot of the same bugs. Creaky ass driver's door, rattling left window, and the odd 3rd gear grind during aggressive track sessions. Still don't know 100% if it's me getting too excited during acceleration, or the car acting up, but there is a strong possibility of both. Sad to see you're shedding your skin, but I wish you the best with the new toy. I like to razz Corvettes a bit, but I finally got whipped by one this summer after 5 years (18 Z06/Z07) and I know that with a good pilot, those cars are no joke.

Dason

[ViperGarageElite]

sorry to here about all the issues ,are these problems on older genv or even on the17 cars
While I can proudly say that I owned a Viper, I had to unload mine. Same as I found myself looking at Vipers 3 years into ownership of my 2011 Carbon Edition C6Z06, I found myself looking at C7Z06's 3.5 years into my Viper ownership... And then it happened....for the THIRD time my tranny took a crap and had to be replaced under warranty. Yes, the third time! After the 2nd time I offered to pay out of my pocket to upgrade the PLASTIC parts the tranny shop told me were in the transmission that they promised me were going to break again. I was also going to swap to a better 4th gear to avoid a 4-5 shift at the track. The service manager asked Dodge for permission and they actually said NO, it would void my warranty! Can you imagine?

Anyway I took this as a sign and traded it in after the repairs were complete on a 6,000 mile 2018 C7Z06 w/ the Z07 package. We swapped keys and they gave me $2,000 cash. Saved me over $5,000 in sales tax too doing it as a trade in.

I thought back and my Viper was in the shop TWELVE times, including 3 for the tranny rebuild, twice for the inner door clip rattles (both doors), once when I lost the clutch due to one of the fluid lines coming loose while pulling into a restaurant parking lot, twice for the door rubbing/grinding (they replaced the hinge), once for the AC leaking & blowing warm air (not that it ever blew very cold), once for the fuel pressure sensor going bad, once for a leaking oil line, and once to replace the rear diff (it was whining & i never realized how much until they put the new quiet one).

The car definitely was a head turner and received 2-3 compliments every time I drove it. It was black but paint corrected and ceramic coated so it looked brand new all the time. While I am glad that I was fortunate enough to have owned a Viper and I got to track it about 5 or 6 times, I am sorry to say I do not miss it. The Z06 is much more refined and so much more comfortable to be in & drive. I will have it out on the track in the spring and I am anxious to compare lap times.

This is a great forum and I want to thank everyone that contributes to it. I will still check back in from time to time in all likelihood.

Happy Holidays!

Ron

PS-I still have my Carbotech 1521 low dust brake pads (plenty of life left) and a set of lightly used TPMS for sale on the cheap if anyone is interested.

[ViperGeorge]

Sorry to see you sell your Viper. I have three, each with around 20,000 miles on them. An 08 Vert, a 14 GTS, and a 17 ACR/TA. I have many track miles on my ACR but all three cars shift flawlessly. I have had very few problems with them. In fact, I do not believe (knock on wood) that I have had my ACR or any of the cars to the dealer for any warranty work in something like 60,000 driven miles. My GTS did have the window TSB done to prevent water infiltration to the door node but I think that was it. This was precautionary. I change diff fluid every 10,000 miles and I have likewise never had a diff issue.

The 15 TA 2.0 I traded on the ACR did experience water infiltration to the door node on the passenger side which caused the window to fail but that was the only warranty work on that car. An 06 I had years ago did have the trans rebuilt under warranty but that car was supercharged and I believe the trans was the T-56 not the 6060.

I wonder whether there was some history to the car before you bought it. Otherwise maybe your wife is correct, you just got a lemon.

[SRT_BluByU]

Not to worry. The norm for the Gen V cars is fantastic durability.. I daily drive mine without issues. These things are tanks... of course there are exceptions.. an all cars have them.

[Dr.Ron]

I had a 2016 Z06 and as a daily driver it’s awesome. Mine overheated at the track. The viper I beat like a step child but would never daily drive in Los Angeles traffic.
They made cooling improvements to the 18+ cars.


Hit or miss cars. Competent dealership service providers are a challenge to find.

Corvettes are a dime a dozen but at least they are easier to get warranty work and are easier to get service.
The Viper tech at the dealership I used was excellent! The problem was having to use him so often!


Sorry to hear this, Ron! You probably don't even know it, but you were a big help to me about track stuff over the years. So thank you.

Kind of widened my eyes a bit at your issues though. My car (14 GTS also) has been really solid, but I have a lot of the same bugs. Creaky ass driver's door, rattling left window, and the odd 3rd gear grind during aggressive track sessions. Still don't know 100% if it's me getting too excited during acceleration, or the car acting up, but there is a strong possibility of both. Sad to see you're shedding your skin, but I wish you the best with the new toy. I like to razz Corvettes a bit, but I finally got whipped by one this summer after 5 years (18 Z06/Z07) and I know that with a good pilot, those cars are no joke.

Dason
Thanks, and you are correct. I had NO idea.
I feel like I put up with WAY more than I needed to at this level automobile to try to maintain ownership of a Viper. Looking back I actually was starting to drive it less without even realizing it in the moment.

[Dr.Ron]

Sorry to see you sell your Viper. I have three, each with around 20,000 miles on them. An 08 Vert, a 14 GTS, and a 17 ACR/TA. I have many track miles on my ACR but all three cars shift flawlessly. I have had very few problems with them. In fact, I do not believe (knock on wood) that I have had my ACR or any of the cars to the dealer for any warranty work in something like 60,000 driven miles. My GTS did have the window TSB done to prevent water infiltration to the door node but I think that was it. This was precautionary. I change diff fluid every 10,000 miles and I have likewise never had a diff issue.

The 15 TA 2.0 I traded on the ACR did experience water infiltration to the door node on the passenger side which caused the window to fail but that was the only warranty work on that car. An 06 I had years ago did have the trans rebuilt under warranty but that car was supercharged and I believe the trans was the T-56 not the 6060.

I wonder whether there was some history to the car before you bought it. Otherwise maybe your wife is correct, you just got a lemon.

I got it from Bill Pemberton and the car only had 1400 miles on it. I even checked the service history besides what Bill vouched for.

[AZTVR]

I don't remember reading anything about a generic weakness in the Tremec transmission that would be unique to the Gen V Viper application, and not also be seen in the high power Corvettes or Mustangs that use the same model transmission.


sorry to here about all the issues ,are these problems on older genv or even on the17 cars

[ViperGeorge]

Well it is a shame and I do hope you buy another Viper at some point.

[Dr.Ron]

Well it is a shame and I do hope you buy another Viper at some point.

:drive:

[TheMadMachinist]

Earlier this year I thought I needed a new corvette. Not that I wanted to get rid of ether of my Vipers, just add to the heard. I enrolled in a three day at spring mountain to see if I was indeed in need. I will say the Vette was an easy car to drive on the track and with outside temps right at 100 deg. I had no over heating issues in the car. But I was only there one day and I was begging them to let me drive my GEN 5 instead of their Corvette. I would sum up the Corvette on the track as uninspiring. I did really like the on board data recorder it was very useful and they are nice cars. Just not for me.

I hope you have better luck with your new corvette than you did with your Viper.

[Dr.Ron]

I hope you have better luck with your new corvette than you did with your Viper.

Thank you!

[serpent]

Ron, i post on CF and read the auto is still prone to over heating and cracking wheels. Even the zr1 has cracking wheels. Just something the other side has.

[Dr.Ron]

Manual with no apparent paint issues that I saw when I detailed her up real nice.
It's Blade Silver Metallic.

[SRT BILL]

Say it isn't so!! wishing you some piece of mind and happiness with the new ride. ENJOY it.

[Dr.Ron]

Say it isn't so!! wishing you some piece of mind and happiness with the new ride. ENJOY it.

Thank you!!

[Bruce H.]

It's a sad situation when you get a bad one, for sure. I hope you have better luck than with your Viper, and better luck than my friends with Corvettes.

I have one track buddy that had 6 Z06 and 3 were bought back by GM. Another with a new C7 Z51 that was tracked 5 times, broke 5 times, and fixed by GM 5 times...GM offered to buy it but he sold it privately for more. Another with a C7 Z06 that overheated on track every time he tried to keep up with me. Another that bought a really low mileage C6 Z06 that he continues to upgrade sub standard stuff to make it reasonably track worthy, if he can. And an hour ago I bumped into my Toyota dealership's son who was asking me about my Viper TA and telling me about all the upgrades he's been doing on his recently acquired C6 Z06 to make it trackable. That's everybody I know personally that has ever owned one...and they all marvel at my Viper and those of other buddies that track them.

You've had a few Vettes in the past so you've probably had some good experiences with them in the past, and I really hope you do again...enjoy!

[Dr.Ron]

Thanks Bruce. This will be my 5th Z06. A C5Z,3 C6Z's and this C7Z.

[cashcorn]

Why not wait for the C8.. I'm looking at it as a daily. sounds like your happy!!:)

[Dr.Ron]

1st model year of a totally new platform, and no manual available.
Plus the dealers will undoubtedly be asking for $5-10k over sticker at least I'm sure. No thank you!

[Fourtrax250r]

Enjoy the Z, it’s one of the best all around sports car out there, hopefully you can park another viper next to it in the future!

[ViperGeorge]

A friend bought a new C7 Z06 to run the 2019 One Lap of America. He even hired a professional driver for the track stuff. Car had issue after issue. No Corvette tech could figure out some of the issues and I think GM was involved. Limp mode, rear bushings that gave out with only 1500 miles and made the car dangerous to drive, and more. Not sure what he did with the car but it was a bigger piece of $h!t than any Viper I've ever read about. Good luck, hopefully you won't need it but you might.

[Mark1107]

Bruce, what I find fascinating is that if you want to track your corvette, you’ve gotta put a lot of money in it. I still hang with the corvette guys driving up the San Gabriels on Angeles Crest to Newcombs. Every single corvette C6 is modified. The C7s are great daily drivers (I’ve had two) but on the track uninspiring like you mentioned. The C7 is a great luxurious performance car but not a track beast at all. Kinda boring but absolutely fun to drive to work every day. The C8 is absolutely ugly but all of the beta males are going crazy over an average car with “new” looks but does nothing for me. The C7 looks great. I may buy another one and I’m negotiating a C6 Z06 soon.




It's a sad situation when you get a bad one, for sure. I hope you have better luck than with your Viper, and better luck than my friends with Corvettes.

I have one track buddy that had 6 Z06 and 3 were bought back by GM. Another with a new C7 Z51 that was tracked 5 times, broke 5 times, and fixed by GM 5 times...GM offered to buy it but he sold it privately for more. Another with a C7 Z06 that overheated on track every time he tried to keep up with me. Another that bought a really low mileage C6 Z06 that he continues to upgrade sub standard stuff to make it reasonably track worthy, if he can. And an hour ago I bumped into my Toyota dealership's son who was asking me about my Viper TA and telling me about all the upgrades he's been doing on his recently acquired C6 Z06 to make it trackable. That's everybody I know personally that has ever owned one...and they all marvel at my Viper and those of other buddies that track them.

You've had a few Vettes in the past so you've probably had some good experiences with them in the past, and I really hope you do again...enjoy!

[Pappy]

Just get one of each. Wouldn't get rid of my ACR, but my C6Z with Z07 and carbon package is great in a different sort of way. It is a base 1LT (light weight) with no options and since it is a 2011, it is the only year with only 2 cats (vice 4). As a rare Z07-optioned C6, it has all of the good ZR1 stuff - axles, exhaust, radiator and cooling package, CCBs, etc. The interior feels cheap compared to the Viper, and the seats aren't that good, but it weighs less than 3100 lbs and it "feels" like it accelerates much harder than the Viper. I need to put a set of MPSC2s on it - with the MPSSs it just spins the tires at will, in any gear. As far as the C8 goes, I'll have to see more before I form an opinion. Their Z-51 Nurburgring time wasn't that great (7:28) and there are some indications of a tight (push) tendency, maybe caused by the small front tires. I'm sure they will up the ante with a bigger motor in a Z06 or ZR1, but if it is boosted I am not interested.

Pappy

41055

[Bruce H.]

Bruce, what I find fascinating is that if you want to track your corvette, you’ve gotta put a lot of money in it.

This is what surprised me the most, along with the brutal consumables cost of tracking them.

We're all car crazy enthusiasts here but most aren't concerned with track performance and durability. With each new Corvette comes great excitement and I expect the daily driveable C8 will delight like previous ones. It's the guys that want to be able to track their pride and joy at the front of the pack anywhere with high reliability and no need for a trailer that have had few options in the past...and we arguably lost one of the very best when the Viper was discontinued. It would be awesome if the C8 Corvette stepped up to fill that void.

[Vegaskid]

I had a 15 z06 manual prior to my viper. Great daily driver but had issues at the track. If it's for the streeyou should he very happy.

Sorry to hear about your g5. I've had 0 real issues since I've owned it

[Dr.Ron]

I had a 15 z06 manual prior to my viper. Great daily driver but had issues at the track. If it's for the streeyou should he very happy.

Sorry to hear about your g5. I've had 0 real issues since I've owned it

The 2018+ have upgraded cooling systems, plus a manual overheat less to start with from what I've seen.

Yes, I suppose I was unlucky. it seems most do not have issues, have less issues than I had, or simply do not post them here.

Ron