long distance viper drives

[fastrs2.5]

I am planing on driving my viper from Seattle to Orlando. Does anyone have any tips for long drives. My gen2 has 3.55s and a full exhaust. The car has zero issues and runs great.

[Double0fox]

Well I have only done a 1000 mile trip (this last weekend), so I can't help on that long of a trip. But I am interested as to where you are in Seattle (Tacoma here). Always looking for other close Viper owners.

[fastrs2.5]

I reside is the lovely area called Port orchard

[Getnlwr]

Always nice to meet others. I'm in the Marysville / Everett / Lake Stevens area.

[ViperGTS]

Take it easy and enjoy the drive and scenery...3744+3000 miles.

[viperr]

I am in the Bremerton area and drove 6,000 miles round trip to Charlotte in 2012. The western states are the easiest because of less traffic and higher speed limits so I made better time on that part. I averaged 600 miles a day by running steady, taking short rest and food (and pee) breaks. My longest day was 715 miles and 14 hours in a rainstorm from Charlotte to Carbondale Illinois. I was surprised how my Gen II seats were so comfortable and how well the car ran after an hour or so where everything warmed up nicely. I run 3:55 gears, but I still got 20-21 mpg on the trip. I plan to drive to Detroit this year, which is about 5,000 miles round trip. Considering I am 69 years old I am happy that the car allows me to go on such long runs comfortably. I just enjoy getting the car out on the open road and letting it run. That must be why I have over 100,000 miles on it now.

[Viper98912]

That is a longggggg drive. I don't know if I could do it; I'd probably just ship the car and take a plane.

[Helo Steve]

I drove Chicago to CT and loved every second. My only tips are do it and enjoy it… no better car to make the trip in!

[Anonymous]

Books on cd make the time fly by.

[jwolf]

I could never drive mine long distances with out my leg cramping till I put Cruise Control on it.

[Allan]

Books on cd make the time fly by.That won't work for this guy, he said his car has full exhaust with 3.55's in the rear.

He may need ear plugs.

[Stretch]

Ear Plugs.
Every time you go down hill, take your foot off the gas and wiggle it around / stretch it out. Then you'll be able to walk again when you finally get out of the car.
Also get out of the car every few hours. I did 9 hours straight after VOI and got very tired the last couple hours.

And have fun! I love Viper road trips. And take pictures and post them here.

[GhostStalker27]

If you have borla and no cats - you're ears will pay a price. I drove an 1hr20 and my ears rang for a while after.

[Leslie]

I have heard how some of the guys met up with other Viper owners each area they stopped.

That would be kewl to do.

I am not a mechanic, but there might be a few tools and oil that you might want to take...? belts, hoses...? Be prepared for a flat tire, have road assistance...?

My issue with my past GenII was not having the cruise control, I would stretch my right foot a lot when I could.

[FrgMstr]

Things I carry in the trunk pretty much all of the time but put the list together on my first DustBall Rally:

2 cans of Slime 60090 Large Tire Quick Spair - 20 oz (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ZBY9HW/?tag=hardfocom-20)

1 Slime 22038 Compact Tire Plug Kit with Storage Handle (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ET9SAK/?tag=hardfocom-20)

1 Upper radiator hose

1 Lower radiator hose

1 Serpentine belt

Full assortment of needed fuses

Misc tools to change those parts

Electric air compressor

Rear tow hook / Front tow hook

Clutch/Brake/PS Fluid

And sunblock....

[FrgMstr]

Oh and I keep about 5 or 6 of these in my trunk to hand out to little kids that love to see the car at stops along the way. Making future gearheads $1 at a time. Of course your color choice may vary.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51UtVJiE95L.jpg

[TitleMine]

I've done a drive across half the country in my ACR in one shot, so I think I can fill you in.

1. If your exhaust drones, make sure your passenger (if any) is OK with it. I was super stoked to be driving the car, but a lot of people I give rides to mention the noise.

2. Have some provision for holding cups, It's pretty easy to rig something up in the passenger's seat. Otherwise, you'll have to buy bottles like I did the whole way home. I know I know, "oh my god drinking in the viper sacrilege etc." It's a car, and I was thirsty.

3. Wear comfortable clothes. The Viper is not a big car, and the climate control tends to work more like a binary switch than a gradual adjustment (nothing-boiling-nothing-frozen) so you'll want layers or something.

4. Be conscious of where you stop, both to eat, and to sleep. I stopped in West Virginia, and you'd think I landed in a Star Destroyer. The entire McDonald's (only place to eat at the exit where I needed gas) emptied out. Same way when I stopped in Missouri. It was a total mob scene. This would be even scarier parking overnight. Check google maps, etc, and pay the extra to stay in a VERY NICE AREA. You don't want to park your supercar in the $49.99 motel.

5. Check to make sure your car has lock-lugs if you're buying it on this trip. Mine didn't come with them. Those wheels are a mighty tempting target when it's parked overnight. Buy gorilla lugs, they're the best over-the-counter lock system you can get.

6. Take one of those $150 Craftsman portable mechanic's tool kits with you, along with a serpentine belt and radiator hoses. If you can't get it done with that, it ain't gettin' done roadside anyway.

[Thawk97]

I was also curious about this as I'm planning on the Detroit trip myself - all great tips!

[Fatboy 18]

Cup Holder, Tire repair kit, Radar detector Big wallet for the fuel bill :D
Personal protection ;)

Possibly an extra air pillow for additional lumbar support on your back.

What an Awesome drive, you will have a blast :dude3:
Good luck
Mark.

[VIPER BAZ UK]

That is just so cool..... was at VOI -12 And just try and stop me from Detroit. .....


I am in the Bremerton area and drove 6,000 miles round trip to Charlotte in 2012. The western states are the easiest because of less traffic and higher speed limits so I made better time on that part. I averaged 600 miles a day by running steady, taking short rest and food (and pee) breaks. My longest day was 715 miles and 14 hours in a rainstorm from Charlotte to Carbondale Illinois. I was surprised how my Gen II seats were so comfortable and how well the car ran after an hour or so where everything warmed up nicely. I run 3:55 gears, but I still got 20-21 mpg on the trip. I plan to drive to Detroit this year, which is about 5,000 miles round trip. Considering I am 69 years old I am happy that the car allows me to go on such long runs comfortably. I just enjoy getting the car out on the open road and letting it run. That must be why I have over 100,000 miles on it now.

[Bill Pemberton]

One other question, when are you planning to take this drive? Depending on the time of the year the Northern route with some wide open interstates may be quicker?!

[Solid Red 98]

If your power steering pulley is still plastic, I would recommend replacing the pulley (billet aluminum) and the power steering pump bracket, so you never have to think about it again. At least inspect it assuming that does any good--that plastic is getting old and brittle. Then, take a few important spares as listed above. Its not that you have to worry about reliability, its just that out on the open road, your Viper is far from important simple parts that can be replaced in a more standard vehicle.

[C.J]

Stop every couple hours for a quick break...keeps you from mentally zoning out. Take a camera, and as mentioned previously, try to see who you can meet along the way.

That's going to be an awesome road trip! Post pics during your travels too, it would be fun to keep up with what you're seeing.

Wheel locks was an interesting item...has anyone had a wheel stolen off their Viper?

[Thawk97]

If your power steering pulley is still plastic, I would recommend replacing the pulley (billet aluminum) and the power steering pump bracket, so you never have to think about it again. At least inspect it assuming that does any good--that plastic is getting old and brittle. Then, take a few important spares as listed above. Its not that you have to worry about reliability, its just that out on the open road, your Viper is far from important simple parts that can be replaced in a more standard vehicle.

Is this true even for those of us with stock motors? We think the failure rate is high enough it needs to be replaced as a precaution?

[Rand1993]

I live in Richland, WA if you want to stop on your way through. We also have a second home in Melbourne, FL (near Orlando). Could connect in FL if I'm down there at the same time you are.

I'm jealous. I would love to do that trip. Have done it on a motorcycle. A Viper should be easier.

[fastrs2.5]

I plan on taking i5 to i40 across. It'll be the first week of April so I want to stay south. I am moving the car ahead of my actual move with will happen in june. Moving to Jacksonville

[Alex Mills]

I took the coast highway from Portland all the way down to San Diego and the back up through Vegas and the likes. Round trip was 3100 miles.

I only averaged 16.3 MPG though as barely any of it was on the freeway. It was nearly entirely highway driving in 4th gear or less.

I did it over the course of 10 days as I wanted to enjoy myself and not go crazy. Averaged about 6 hours a day.

Here's the route I took: http://www.viper007bond.com/tag/san-diego-road-trip-2012/

[ViperGTS]

Is this true even for those of us with stock motors? We think the failure rate is high enough it needs to be replaced as a precaution?

yes, replace it! it will break ...

[C.J]

^^^^ this.

A failed pulley will leave you stranded. A broken p/s bracket will leave you stranded. Stranded = no fun.

And check the p/s reversoir cap to make sure it is on tight.

[Loud]

Did plenty of long drives.

Radar Detector
Ear Plugs
Fat wallet

[Suitejudyblueyes]

If you haven't pinned your clutch pedal linkage, be sure to bring several birdcage clips (and be familiar with the replacement procedure). I myself would bring a stick to hold the accelerator pedal in position when I want to give my leg a rest without stopping.

[Leslie]

yes, replace it! it

will break ...

What he said!
..That was the 1st thing I replaced when I had a GenII!

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

Call me! Local WA call 360.837.3937

Routine and prevent maintenance as noted. [ Billet Pulley+Billet Bracket $199+$11. ]

I noted you said GEN 2..... did not see RT or GTS? Plan to take your spare tire? Top questions if RT? Passenger along? SPACE CONCERNS with Pax !

I drove MI-WA 3 times.... WA-INDY-WA..... and TX-WA and NV-WA x 2. CA many times

GOOD, FRESH, TRUSTWORTHY TIRES ABOVE ALL. PS2 or SuperSports have my transcontinental trust in Rain+.
2) Radar Detector
3) GPS is informative, not just about distances.
4) Can of octane booster...sometimes NO PREMIUM.
5) Driving Gloves! Not being a poser...NEEDED! I like golf or batters gloves, sold left-right, palms won't bunch up.
6) Good sunglasses
7) Generic nylon Car Cover / Bungees? Vipers draw crowds at hotels...

You say "full exhaust" so we ASSume headers? Noise-reduction headset?!?!

Love the JAX area...... be safe!

{ps I forgot to mention WA - Anchorage ...in WINTER!}

[fastrs2.5]

Gts. Has headers. Its some very nice nitto invo tires.

[95Viper]

Glock 23...... don't leave home wothout it ;)

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

Its some very nice nitto invo tires.

...... bit of an oxymoron there.

-Nice looking when parked.

--Very nice in a fast, straight line.

---Very bad in fast corners or 'going evasive' for deer, texters, cell-phoners, and blue-hairs (FL).

----Terrible in rain.

-----Worse if more than 3-years old. Shittos.

[ZERO dealer service enroute, vs. maybe 100+ Michelin dealers along the way if you have to replace a tire.]

[Leslie]

Yeh I found that out about nitto invo's on my vette!
Don't like the rain or corners.

[fastrs2.5]

I don't have any issues with nitto. I ve been on the track with them too. To each there own arnt many options in 345/25zr20 definitely not worth 1200-1700 dollars to change them out.

[Grave Digger]

I did from Pheonix to NY and the biggest thing I was thankful I had was my shure earphones. Worth every penny. Also a list of viper techs along the way.

[Martyb]

I drove my 01 GTS from Chicago to Arizona last fall, best trip ever. I also have 3:55 gears, and got about 20mpg, did 80-90 for most of the trip. The seats are more comfortable to me than my Lexus LS. Enjoy the ride!

[LATAMUD]

If you get a flat and need the spare mounted, the rear tire will not fit in the trunk, it will have to get stuffed in the passenger seat, and that is only without a passenger, the door will barely shut. Not sure about the front but I imagine it won't fit either.

[C.J]

If you get a flat and need the spare mounted, the rear tire will not fit in the trunk, it will have to get stuffed in the passenger seat, and that is only without a passenger, the door will barely shut. Not sure about the front but I imagine it won't fit either.

That was a problem with the RT/10, but the factory had a strap in the trunk that would let you put the rear tire in the trunk and then literally strap the lid down. Will the rear wheel fit in the GTS with the hatch closed?

[Loud]

I drove my 01 GTS from Chicago to Arizona last fall, best trip ever. I also have 3:55 gears, and got about 20mpg, did 80-90 for most of the trip. The seats are more comfortable to me than my Lexus LS. Enjoy the ride!

Marty, you didn't relocate to AZ, did you? Lets meet up this season if you are still in Chicago.

A

[Suitejudyblueyes]

...... bit of an oxymoron there.

-Nice looking when parked.

--Very nice in a fast, straight line.

---Very bad in fast corners or 'going evasive' for deer, texters, cell-phoners, and blue-hairs (FL).

----Terrible in rain.

-----Worse if more than 3-years old. Shittos.

[ZERO dealer service enroute, vs. maybe 100+ Michelin dealers along the way if you have to replace a tire.] Only agree with your blue hair reference . . . plenty of driving in the monsoon season in FL with Nitto's on with no issues. The few corners here that can be taken fast are with confidence. But my Nitto's aren't yet 3 years old, so I'll prepare myself for everything crashing and burning as you predict.

[LATAMUD]

That was a problem with the RT/10, but the factory had a strap in the trunk that would let you put the rear tire in the trunk and then literally strap the lid down. Will the rear wheel fit in the GTS with the hatch closed?

On the GTS, the rear wheel will not slip into the circumfrunce of the spare wheel well, it has to be stood up. The glass hatch will sit on top of the tire and not close. If strapping it down I would worry about breaking the glass.

[VYPR BYT]

Plan your trips thru major cities so you avoid the rush hour traffic.
Your left leg will thank you for it.

Enjoy the ride!

[Martyb]

Marty, you didn't relocate to AZ, did you? Lets meet up this season if you are still in Chicago.

A

Only in the winter time! Bought a second home out here last year. Was thinking about driving the Viper back to Chicago for the summer, but I may just leave it here full time. I use it every day that I am out here. I have only seen one other GTS in the last year and a half in AZ, thought there would be more.

Thinking about taking it to Todd at AC for a tune at some point, would be a nice 5 hour drive from here.

Lets meet up, I just may not be driving a Viper back home :(

[MI Viper]

I don't have any issues with nitto. I ve been on the track with them too. To each there own arnt many options in 345/25zr20 definitely not worth 1200-1700 dollars to change them out.

Fast,
Give a shout when you hit O'town, we have quite a few snakes here in the Cent Fl. area, and maybe we can get cruise together. Then again, you might need a couple of days to recover from your trip. Good luck, and the radar detector and GPS are good idea, the Glock is also a good idea, I always have mine when in the snake, unless I'm going to the Plant.
MI V.

[fastrs2.5]

I'll actually be living up in jax but I'm storing the viper in my fathers garage until I actually move in the beginning of june. He lives in winter haven area

[JayR]

I drove my '94 across the country (Boston to San Francisco) several times in the '90s. I have slight hearing loss in my right ear after hours and hours on the road with the woofers beside my head blasting alternative rock. Before hitting the road, I suggest adjusting the fade on your speakers to spare your right ear if your speakers are vertically mounted by your head like in the '94.

Oh, and get a Valentine One.

Jay R.
Red '94

[jdeft1]

I learned way back.... EAR-PLUGS!!! They're essential for long viper drives. My '94 loves a good roadtrip.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsFmkpHtFkU&feature=youtu.be

[James430]

I learned way back.... EAR-PLUGS!!! They're essential for long viper drives. My '94 loves a good roadtrip.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsFmkpHtFkU&feature=youtu.be

Thanks for sharing the great video and soundtrack,I've driven almost the same route a few times on motorcycles but not in the Viper yet....maybe one of these days!!!

[jdeft1]

Thanks for the kind words. I'm happy to live close to this great stretch of pavement; 470 miles of winding road without so much as a single stop sign along the way! I highly recommend the Blue Ridge Parkway to anyone who thinks a ride on I-81 is the best way to get through western Virginia.....and North Carolina.

Cheers!

[plumcrazy]

i bought my 98 GTS from pemberton in 2003, flew out to nebraska, drove it home to NJ. (possibly the best drive of my life)
drove it from Northern NJ to south florida and back 5 times.

its a car, drive it...with a smile. dont sweat it. if anything bothers you while you are driving a VIPER...please sell it immediately

seriously, put your big boy panties on and enjoy it !

[Viper Pit]

I had a flat on my GTS and was carrying luggage so the front tire and rim was a problem to store. Since the tire blew out on the sidewall and was not repairable. I took my front license plate out and used the sharp edges as a knife and cut around the circumference of the wheel and took the tread section off the tire and left it by the roadside. The wheel and small sidewall with the bead where no problem to stow away. My traveling buddies said I went all McGyver on it. I look back and laugh about it now but when we got to the next town I had to wait a day for the tire shop to get one delivered in!

[jdeft1]

I had a flat on my GTS and was carrying luggage so the front tire and rim was a problem to store.

Been there too. It's a hard lesson; to first learn a viper tire/rim gets to ride in somebody's lap!!.... haha!



Still have that car Plumb? Thought you sold it.

[RTTTTed]

After more than 100,000 Viper miles (and many Vipers) I can tell you that Corsa exhaust (Roe blower, Cat delete and headers) is quiet enough to whisper inside the car at highway speeds!!! I've driven that car to Detroit and back (VOIX 6,000mi). I bought a Paxton ACR in Phoenix and drove it through California on holidays and loved that car's quiet Corsa exhaust. I drive the Sapphire/silver Roe GTS to Vegas (4000mi) and back to the www.sscc.us event every year and have collected 7 trophies.

I bought my 1500whp TT GTS in Houston and drove that back 4000mi to Central BC with its extremely loud drone (between 50 and 73mph) from its 4" exhaust.

My first Roe GTS has Randon tech which had only a minimal drone at highway speeds so it didn't need earplugs either.

When I bought my ACR it had bald drag radials and I waited for 3 weekdays to get a pair of rear tires for the car before I could leave town. Driving the TT GTS home from Texas I phoned JonB at PartsRack.com and told him I had bald Drag Radials on my GTS. The next day I drove to Reno, where Jon had arranged a pair of BFGs at a discount price and a tire shop that waited until 7pm when I pulled in to change my tires for me.

[jdeft1]

^ Good times all, I'm sure. My stock, headers, no cats old gen 1 drones my head off on long drives. I love it but it's a tuff-ass old viper and feels good but kills my hearing. I need plugs to tone it down....... This isn't a pansy ass later model we're talking about. haha, we all love these cars here, right?

I'll keep my ear plugs handy, just in case Ted ..... I've rolled out a few miles too.

Good to see you out there again Ted. (I remember your great sunset pics and sled shots from the VCA forums).

[RTTTTed]

^ Good times all, I'm sure. My stock, headers, no cats old gen 1 drones my head off on long drives. I love it but it's a tuff-ass old viper and feels good but kills my hearing. I need plugs to tone it down....... This isn't a pansy ass later model we're talking about. haha, we all love these cars here, right?

I'll keep my ear plugs handy, just in case Ted ..... I've rolled out a few miles too.

Good to see you out there again Ted. (I remember your great sunset pics and sled shots from the VCA forums).

Thanks bud. I've always been "out there". Just because Chris and Marv banned me doesn't mean that I have to quit spanking Vettes, Lambos and Ferraris, LOL. I was just forced to quit spanking VCA cars except for another region that welcomed me and sent people to help me smackdown vettes when I travelled the states. Canada I usually took my Alberta buddy and one of the Chrysler dealership owners when I went out to collect trophies from all those other brands! LOL. I also started a couple websites to stay in touch and help people (many of the Viper owners that joined and started the VOA) fix and enjoy their Vipers. The forum I started with Bottlefed is www.thevipergarage.com and the site where you'll find my published and unpublished stories on taking the trophies from all the other brands is
www.vipernation.com
Tim, Leslie, Kala and several others started these websites soon after VOI 11. I have filled my trophy wall and started another wall. I have bought, modifed and even sold several Vipers. 2 years ago I bought a 1500+whp TT GTS. 215mph first try (breakout) while beating the heck out of a Veyron SS that came with a factory "team" at Mojave Mile. I'm now still running my Sapphire GTS Roe car and having a blast with it. Going to www.sscc.us to get some more trophies with it next month, again. I am working on the TTGTS to attempt the Bonneville Land Speed Record but surely I should be able to set the fastest speed for a Viper and I expect to set a Land Speed Record ... hopefully in Sept. Selling the Roe GTS and looking to buy another Viper GTS, I hope.

Glad to see that you're still "out and about"!