Getting ready to purchase an ACR will I fit

[Cadster]

So I am big dude. 6’6” 255lbs. I am not comfortable in any car, I am just wondering if I will even fit. I have never sat in one, but I am about to pull the trigger.

About the only modern car that I can’t fit in is a Lamborghini Aventador. I recently purchased a 2005 Ford GT (see my post on Bernie...RIP) and made that car work.

Two summers ago I did Ferrari Corsa Pilota at Road Atlanta. With a helmet on, I crammed into both a 488 and a 812 and did laps all day for two days. If I want to fit bad enough, I generally find a way.

Anything I need to know about before I move forward? Any other big dudes own these cars? Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

[Steve-Indy]

It varies widely from individual to individual...height and weight alone do not determine fit. Long legs are one thing, short legs with "tall body" is totally different. Yes, the pedals swing and yes one can lower the seat...but it still requires a trial fitting...especially if you need room for a helmet.

You would do well to declare your location...then ask the local Viper posse for assistance...i.e. sit in someone's Viper that is identical or at least similar to the Viper you intend to purchase.

Best of luck.

[Gen5snake]

I think it's going to be tough. I'm 6'2" & 210lbs and my seat is almost all the way back, the back of the seat is tilted all the way back and the foot pedals are all the way forward. Your head will definitely be tilted. Maybe some other tall dudes can chime in. And all that gets worse if you're wearing a helmet.

[zee]

I would definitely try to find a local one for sale or another local members to sit in. Doesn’t have to be an ACR, just find a Gen 5 and see how it feels. I’m 5’8” and 190-200 pounds and feel like it fits my like a glove. I can’t imagine being 6’6” and driving the Viper. I think they do make seat lowering kits but even then....

[darbgnik]

I'm 6'2 265 lbs with only a 32" inseam. So I "sit tall". Head room wasn't so much of an issue as being able to see out the windshield.... sitting in the car, I was looking directly at the sun visor. Snakeoyl makes a 2" seat drop that basically bolts the seat directly to the floor that worked wonders for me.

As for width issues, you should be fine. Especially the ballistic nylon seats in the ACR. They arent as snug as the GTS leather seats. I wear 36 waist jeans at 265lbs and I fit fine. I have a friend whose 300lbs(rounder) who also fits fine.

So I'm pretty sure you'll fit, one way or another. Comfortably? Dunno.....

As mentioned, a test fit will work wonders, bearing in mind the seat can be lowered.

[Oh Three Z]

As others have said I’d recommend sitting in one first. I’m sure between local to you members on this board or used cars at dealerships you could sit in one. Frankly that seem like an obvious box to check before you make a 120k+ purchase.

[Steve M]

I feel like I'm about at the limit in my Gen 4 - I'm 6'4" and around 230, and even with the rear of the seat lowered ~1", it is still a tight fit. My shoulders feel a bit cramped, and visibility out the front isn't ideal (low roof liner). Certainly workable, and I can even wear a helmet, but you essentially have to install yourself in these cars. I can't even get in it in what I would consider a normal way; I have to sit butt first in the seat, and then swing my legs over the sill. If I need a helmet, I have to put it on AFTER I get in the car.

Personally, I think it is worth the squeeze, but if it were any other car, I'd have just walked away.

[Dman]

I’d definitely try to sit in one first, there’s great support in the community so if someone is decently located to you, I’m sure they’d be happy to do a test fit for you.

I’, 6’4”, evenly proportioned and 195lbs, I’ve put the 2” seat lowering kits in all 5 of my vipers, including to Gen5’s, and felt very comfy, even with a helmet, no issues. But at 6’6”, I dunno. I think the height will be an issue more than the weight, unless your shoulders are hulk like, lol.

[Cadster]

Thanks for all the quick replies. I am in Charlotte, NC. I am so use to making cars fit, that I never really gave it much thought. I started to think maybe I should double check with a community to get some feedback. No Gen 5’s currently for sale in my area, as far as I can tell.

[Cadster]

Actually, I found one locally for sale. Maybe I should connect with these guys and confirm fit.

https://www.hendrickperformance.com/details-2017-dodge-viper-final_year_viper_acr_645_hp__only_81_miles__-used-1c3bdeczxhv500710.html

[sadil]

Almost guarantee you wont fit, but a Tillet seat might create some room. Its a snug fit and I am 5'10". Its not even the pedals, the trans tunnel is what will cause issues with comfort.

[ViperGeorge]

Actually, I found one locally for sale. Maybe I should connect with these guys and confirm fit.

https://www.hendrickperformance.com/details-2017-dodge-viper-final_year_viper_acr_645_hp__only_81_miles__-used-1c3bdeczxhv500710.html

Nice looking car and virtually new with only 81 miles.

[Ronin47]

You wont have enough headroom without a lower seat kit or aftermarket seat.

[SlateEd]

As Steve-Indy said, it totally depends on your ratio of leg to torso...
I'm 6'1" with slightly longer legs proportionally. I've never even thought about a seat lowering kit, I fit with my helmet on with the seat clicked forward two or three stops.

Your geometry might make it a little better/worse than someone else who is 6'6"
Also take note of your elbow room... depending on shoulder width and arm length that can be tricky for some.

Definitely try to get a test sitting/fitting first

Then you can consider the seat lowering kit and potentially even a different seat altogether.

Hope it works out for you!! I gave a local member in NY a test ride many years ago. He's 6'8" and he ended up buying a Gen2, so I know it's possible for some.

[Bill Pemberton]

Yes, listen to Steve-Indy as we have a 6'8" customer who fits in his Vipers , with a helmet. Long, long legs is the help, with a shorter torso. Go do a test fit and don't move the seat all the way back before angling the back. Maybe move all the way back ,then move up some and then angle the back. Of course move those ideals forward!

[Scott_in_fl]

Cadster, I think this is going to be tough and age may be a bigger issue than size because getting in and out can be difficult. The door/seat/roof configuration is quite tight for taller folks.

If you are younger and more limber, you can likely contort yourself into the car and then find a comfortable position with seat lowering kit, etc. But if you are older or less limber, then I see this being a real chore such that you will find yourself driving it less and less.

As much as I'd love to see everyone in a Viper, especially a Gen V ACR because it is so incredibly amazing, I've watched some of my former football player friends try getting in and out and it is painful to watch (I have a strange condition where I feel pain transference from inanimate objects that I cherish -- for example, from my passenger seat side bolster and alcantara glove compartment and dash directly into my soul... lol). Good luck!

[TKO MOTORSPORTS TEAM]

So I am big dude. 6’6” 255lbs. I am not comfortable in any car, I am just wondering if I will even fit. I have never sat in one, but I am about to pull the trigger.

About the only modern car that I can’t fit in is a Lamborghini Aventador. I recently purchased a 2005 Ford GT (see my post on Bernie...RIP) and made that car work.

Two summers ago I did Ferrari Corsa Pilota at Road Atlanta. With a helmet on, I crammed into both a 488 and a 812 and did laps all day for two days. If I want to fit bad enough, I generally find a way.

Anything I need to know about before I move forward? Any other big dudes own these cars? Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

We have a seat specifically made for 6 ft + 5th gen viper owners. Im 6' 4" 250 only way I fit in a 5th gen viper is with our seat. OMP, sparco didnt fit and didnt offer proper whats need for track use.

[ACR Steve]

6'3 215 lb seat lowering kit fit great even with helmet

[TKO MOTORSPORTS TEAM]

TKOSROD1285K 3492.00
5TH GEN VIPER RACING SEAT WITH DRIVER HEAD CONTAINMENT
Our aluminum racing seats are built specifically to fit the Dodge Viper. These seats offer maximum driver protection and comfort while also lowering the driver seated position by 3 inches. Our racing seats are known for being extremely comfortable while still appealing to the serious track day Viper drivers. FITS FACTORY INTERIOR.
• Seats will accept 5-, 6-, or 7-point racing belts
• Padded driver head containment
• 3-inch lower seating position allows for better helmet clearance and performance
• 20 lbs. lighter than factory seat
• Adjustable mounting front, back, up, down and tilt back
• Our seats do not interfere with getting in and out of your Viper
Kit comes complete with:
• 3 inch lowering billet aluminum seat base mount
• 6-point impact racing camlock 3-inch lap belt, 3-inch to 2-inch shoulder belt.
• Lap belt mounting bracket (accepts 5-,6- or 7-point racing belts)
• Aluminum racing seat with head containment
• Billet aluminum seat spacers for adjusting driver position
• All necessary hardware for installation
. works with all EIS foam kits
Optional custom fit seat foam kit available also for additional cost

[ViperNC]

Thanks for all the quick replies. I am in Charlotte, NC. I am so use to making cars fit, that I never really gave it much thought. I started to think maybe I should double check with a community to get some feedback. No Gen 5’s currently for sale in my area, as far as I can tell.

I'm just outside of Charlotte. At 6'2"ish (I used to be 6'3") and 200 lbs, the cockpit fits me like a glove, but I also have the seat lowering kit in mine. My inseam is roughly 34 inches so a lot of my height is in my legs. As a taller guy, the main issue will be to make certain you don't feel to cramped to shift gears and modulate the throttle/brake pedal without difficulty. The other issue is when you pull up to a stop light the roof line will require you to bend forward and look up so you can see the light unless you stop short at intersections. I say go sit in the one at Hendrick and maybe they'll let you take it for a short spin.


Cadster, I think this is going to be tough and age may be a bigger issue than size because getting in and out can be difficult. The door/seat/roof configuration is quite tight for taller folks. If you are younger and more limber, you can likely contort yourself into the car and then find a comfortable position with seat lowering kit, etc. But if you are older or less limber, then I see this being a real chore such that you will find yourself driving it less and less.

Ha! Viper's look really cool, but I don't think any of us look cool getting in and out of them.

[darbgnik]

I'm just outside of Charlotte. At 6'2"ish (I used to be 6'3") and 200 lbs, the cockpit fits me like a glove, but I also have the seat lowering kit in mine. My inseam is roughly 34 inches so a lot of my height is in my legs. As a taller guy, the main issue will be to make certain you don't feel to cramped to shift gears and modulate the throttle/brake pedal without difficulty. The other issue is when you pull up to a stop light the roof line will require you to bend forward and look up so you can see the light unless you stop short at intersections. I say go sit in the one at Hendrick and maybe they'll let you take it for a short spin.

I just use the reflection of the traffic lights in the hood, rather than duck down to look up through the windshield.

[stradman]

Its not just fitting in that is the problem. You need space to comfortably change gears to. If you have long arms that could be the problem too. I think on the whole sadly you will struggle....

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

Cadster: Fact Is, you just WONT fit comfortably, or perhaps even safely!

Consider:

Will you ever track the car and need to wear a helmet? Forgettabouttittt.

How soon will you get a stiff neck or spine from scrunching down to achieve some visibility forward or to side?

Girth Factor: Im 6'2" 245 lbs. My disproportionate mid-diameter is more like a REAR tire than a FRONT. Tight Fit.

Seat Height: SIT in an ACR. MOST of the seat-tilt levers also LOWER THE SEAT if you push lever down several times !

See: https://driveviper.com/forums/threads/20895-Question-G5-OWNERS-DID-YOU-KNOW?highlight=Seat+Lowering

Comfort: A non-adjusting thinly padded race seat with helmet wings is NOT likely your touring car solution.....

Good Luck in your quest.

[Cadster]

Thanks a ton for all the responses. So I am fairly proportionate between legs and torso. I suppose it’s worth mentioning, if only for additional context, that I own several cars already that I have no business fitting in, but have found a way to do so. I currently own a Lamborghini Performante, a Ferrari 812, and, most recently, I acquired a 2005 Ford GT. The GT is probably the tightest fit of the three, largely because of the manual shifting factor. Anyone have a Ford GT? How does the interior size compare? The Ford GT offers a 2” seat lowering kit also. I was going to install one, but I have now decided that it probably isn’t necessary.

I was literally going to just take my chances, but now I am concerned enough to where I probably need to go sit in the one at Hendrick. It’s a nice car...and who knows...?

[TKO MOTORSPORTS TEAM]

Thanks a ton for all the responses. So I am fairly proportionate between legs and torso. I suppose it’s worth mentioning, if only for additional context, that I own several cars already that I have no business fitting in, but have found a way to do so. I currently own a Lamborghini Performante, a Ferrari 812, and, most recently, I acquired a 2005 Ford GT. The GT is probably the tightest fit of the three, largely because of the manual shifting factor. Anyone have a Ford GT? How does the interior size compare? The Ford GT offers a 2” seat lowering kit also. I was going to install one, but I have now decided that it probably isn’t necessary.

I was literally going to just take my chances, but now I am concerned enough to where I probably need to go sit in the one at Hendrick. It’s a nice car...and who knows...?

I hate to say it Cadster you wont fit in a factory viper seat it just aint gonna happen. Your going to spend that much money and not be comfortable in the factory seat. I have sat in just about every type of racecar and super car you can imagine; nothing is made to fit people like us. You have to get creative.

[SharpMan]

I'm 6'5" and 235lbs. 46 jacket, 36 waist, 34 inseam.

I did the max 2" seat lowering kit and I barely fit, can't see stop lights and cannot wear a helmet.

Considering something like a Tillet seat.

[viper44]

I’m 6”6 240 pounds fit in my ACR decent. I used no lowering kit.

[SilveRT8]

FYI, here is my homemade 1'' seat lowering kit, keeps the up/ down and fore/aft adjustability of the OE seat track.

https://driveviper.com/forums/threads/21405-DIY-1-inch-Seat-lowering-solution?highlight=seat+lowering

[Oh Three Z]

Damn... I wish I was closer to Charlotte. I would gladly whore my driver seat and car for that matter for a ride in the Performante

Good luck!!

[ACR Steve]

More room then the ford GT . I couldn't instruct a guy with one because with a helmet I couldnt fit

[ViperNC]

Anyone have a Ford GT? How does the interior size compare? The Ford GT offers a 2” seat lowering kit also. I was going to install one, but I have now decided that it probably isn’t necessary. I was literally going to just take my chances, but now I am concerned enough to where I probably need to go sit in the one at Hendrick. It’s a nice car...and who knows...?

I want a Ford GT...... If you can get inside your Ford GT and close the door without taking off the top of your head, I would think you could shoehorn yourself into the Gen 5 Viper. Where in Charlotte are you located?

[Cadster]

I want a Ford GT...... If you can get inside your Ford GT and close the door without taking off the top of your head, I would think you could shoehorn yourself into the Gen 5 Viper. Where in Charlotte are you located?

So I get into the GT no problem, but I crouch WAY DOWN before I dare swing the door shut. I’m in South Charlotte near the Arboretum.

[SharpMan]

So I get into the GT no problem, but I crouch WAY DOWN before I dare swing the door shut. I’m in South Charlotte near the Arboretum.

you can fit (I did drive my car before the lowering kit) but even with the 2" lowering a helmet is an impossibility for me.

[ViperNC]

So I get into the GT no problem, but I crouch WAY DOWN before I dare swing the door shut. I’m in South Charlotte near the Arboretum.

I'm in Weddington. Bring out the Ford GT for a drive soon and we'll meet up.

[Cadster]

I'm in Weddington. Bring out the Ford GT for a drive soon and we'll meet up.

I don’t live far from you, but I keep my GT at my place on Lake Norman. I have my HP and 812 at my main house. I have a persistent problem with garage space. I wish I had taller garage ceilings to accommodate lifts.

[Cadster]

Well...I couldn’t help myself. I bought one. Hopefully my giant ass fits. I’m taking my chances, with the understanding that I might have to retrofit a seat lowering kit in the future. Thanks for all the suggestions and feedback. I will keep everyone posted on how it goes. Should be interesting.

[#WhiteNoise]

Seat lowering kit makes all the difference in the world. I’m 6’6 230lbs , and I “fit” in my viper and drove around no problem. Bought the seat lowering kit and it completely changed my enjoyment of the car.....:do yourself a favour and order the kit now! I have a friend who is “only” 6ft and after sitting in my car he ordered one for his as well....it’s not just for the tall guys!

Only regret I have is not ordering one and retrofitting it to the passenger seat also.


Congrats on the purchase!!

[Cadster]

Seat lowering kit makes all the difference in the world. I’m 6’6 230lbs , and I “fit” in my viper and drove around no problem. Bought the seat lowering kit and it completely changed my enjoyment of the car.....:do yourself a favour and order the kit now! I have a friend who is “only” 6ft and after sitting in my car he ordered one for his as well....it’s not just for the tall guys!

Only regret I have is not ordering one and retrofitting it to the passenger seat also.


Congrats on the purchase!!

Thanks for the advice. Which kit do you recommend? My concern was not being able to move the seat forward/backward. Does your kit prevent that?

[sharmut]

The seat lowering kit does not allow forward/backward movement. You'll have to test fit to locate the proper hole position on the bracket and use the pedal adjustment to make up any difference.

The Tillett and DSE seat bracket provides a lower sitting position than the factory seat. Tillett does offer sliders for their seats and works with the DSE base, but raises the seating seat by 23mm. After using one for most of last year, I discovered there's too much play for track use and removed.

[Bill Pemberton]

Find one to get in as all have advised , and if close just get ahold of TKO Motorsports ( Dave is a big guy ) as they fit a seat that does work and lastly then get ahold of Tom Sessions down close to Wilmington and he can help you with the install and any other concerns. He has been working on Vipers since the late 90s, was the Chief of Tech for Viper Days, and knows the cars super well. Highly respected and he would be a great source for you if you get a Snake for future and routine service.

tomsessionsmotorsports@gamil.com Hampstead, NC

[#WhiteNoise]

Thanks for the advice. Which kit do you recommend? My concern was not being able to move the seat forward/backward. Does your kit prevent that?

I’d have to dig into my file to remember what kit it was. I installed it so it was as low and far back as possible and there was never a time for me personally where I wished I could move the seat. I probably had 10-12 people other than myself behind the wheel and told them to adjust the pedals and didn’t come across one person that felt they could not find a comfortable driving position. A real short female would likely have issues but the average sized guy zero problems.

Like I said the only regret was not lowering the passenger seat. Felt weird having people sitting next to me that looked like they were crammed in the car and sitting noticeably higher.

[Cadster]

Ok. So you guys were right. It’s a super tight fit. I had the car shipped directly to my PPF installer and so I hadn’t even seen the car until today. As soon as I shoehorned myself into the car, I felt like I had made a rather serious mistake. My left shin smashes against the dash and pedal box is not designed for size 15 Nike’s. After a while though, I settled in and found my rhythm. I am going probably move in the direction of a seat lowering kit. In any case, I love the car and could not be more excited. One way or another, I am going to make it work. FWIW, it’s way more cramped than my other cars (812, Performante, and Ford GT). In fact, the other cars are SUVish compared to the Viper.

[zee]

Ok. So you guys were right. It’s a super tight fit. I had the car shipped directly to my PPF installer and so I hadn’t even seen the car until today. As soon as I shoehorned myself into the car, I felt like I had made a rather serious mistake. My left shin smashes against the dash and pedal box is not designed for size 15 Nike’s. After a while though, I settled in and found my rhythm. I am going probably move in the direction of a seat lowering kit. In any case, I love the car and could not be more excited. One way or another, I am going to make it work. FWIW, it’s way more cramped than my other cars (812, Performante, and Ford GT). In fact, the other cars are SUVish compared to the Viper.

Go barefoot like Matt Farrah :)


https://youtu.be/Kd1b18ccH3E

[TKO MOTORSPORTS TEAM]

So I am big dude. 6’6” 255lbs. I am not comfortable in any car, I am just wondering if I will even fit. I have never sat in one, but I am about to pull the trigger.

About the only modern car that I can’t fit in is a Lamborghini Aventador. I recently purchased a 2005 Ford GT (see my post on Bernie...RIP) and made that car work.

Two summers ago I did Ferrari Corsa Pilota at Road Atlanta. With a helmet on, I crammed into both a 488 and a 812 and did laps all day for two days. If I want to fit bad enough, I generally find a way.

Anything I need to know about before I move forward? Any other big dudes own these cars? Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

Im 6'4" 245 so we are in the same boat. Unfortunately people like us dont fit in vipers or most performance cars properly. We manufacture a factory seat lowering kit and a head containment race seat with lowering kit to fit people like us into a 5th gen viper. Our Factory seat lowering kit works great and lowers the factory seat 2 inches. Its a huge improvement and the lowering mount has the option for racing harnesses built in or you can use your factory seat belt. If your going to street/track your viper our racing seat is by far the best option. Lowers seat position 3 inches, has full head containment, fits with factory interior, schroth racing harnesses included in kit. The racing seat fits me the best plenty of space for helmet, and its comfortable for long drives.
You will be surprised at the vipers performance compared to what you have driven so far when you get on track.

[ViperNC]

Ok. So you guys were right. It’s a super tight fit. I had the car shipped directly to my PPF installer and so I hadn’t even seen the car until today. As soon as I shoehorned myself into the car, I felt like I had made a rather serious mistake. My left shin smashes against the dash and pedal box is not designed for size 15 Nike’s. After a while though, I settled in and found my rhythm. I am going probably move in the direction of a seat lowering kit. In any case, I love the car and could not be more excited. One way or another, I am going to make it work. FWIW, it’s way more cramped than my other cars (812, Performante, and Ford GT). In fact, the other cars are SUVish compared to the Viper.

Definitely go with the seat lowering kit. I have it in mine and love it. Post some pics of your new snake.

[StrokerAce]

Pics of Shrek with his new car? :)

Glad you got one and can make it work.

Enjoy.

[Policy Limits]

Not happening. get a gen 4 drop top ACR and you'll be STR8

[Ronin47]

Im 6'4" 245 so we are in the same boat. Unfortunately people like us dont fit in vipers or most performance cars properly. We manufacture a factory seat lowering kit and a head containment race seat with lowering kit to fit people like us into a 5th gen viper. Our Factory seat lowering kit works great and lowers the factory seat 2 inches. Its a huge improvement and the lowering mount has the option for racing harnesses built in or you can use your factory seat belt. If your going to street/track your viper our racing seat is by far the best option. Lowers seat position 3 inches, has full head containment, fits with factory interior, schroth racing harnesses included in kit. The racing seat fits me the best plenty of space for helmet, and its comfortable for long drives.
You will be surprised at the vipers performance compared to what you have driven so far when you get on track.

Do you also make a seat lowering kit for the passenger side?

[sharmut]

Not sure about TKO's seat base, but I was able to use Doug Shelby's seat base originally made for the driver side on the passenger side.

[TKO MOTORSPORTS TEAM]

Do you also make a seat lowering kit for the passenger side?

Yes we mfg factory seat lowering kit for passenger side with harness mounts built in. We also mfg same head containment racing seat for passenger side. We have many options for both passenger and driver side seat mounting.