New owner ACR viper

**JR85** · 02-10-2018

Just wanted to introduce myself as a new owner to an 09 ACR viper. The car is completely stock with no modifications. I’ve been driving it around just learning the car and it’s a fun amazing car. I don’t quite know the history of the car so my question would be what would you all recommend I do in terms of maintenance and just making sure all fluids are in good condition. The car has 10k miles. The clutch pedal does feel a little loose up top but engages half way, not sure if this is normal for ACRs. Anyways, will appreciate everyone’s input.

**JR85** · 02-10-2018

I’m also located in northern Ca. Is there anyone you all recommend for good service maintenance.

**Steve M** · 02-10-2018

The clutch pedal thing is normal. With 10k miles, any of the fluids could stand to be changed, especially if none ever have. The rear diff would be high on my list, as would the clutch and brake fluid. Coolant would probably be next, followed by power steering and transmission. I can only assume the previous owner at least changed the engine oil.

I bought my '08 a few years ago, and it was pretty obvious that none of the fluids besides the engine oil had ever been touched. The differential fluid was probably the worst, and the transmission fluid was pretty dark too. Everything else was decent.

Either way, looks like you scored a nice ride. Congrats!

**13COBRA** · 02-10-2018

Good looking car.

I changed out all my fluids on my 2008 when I got it with 8800 miles...you never know.

The clutch engagement sounds normal, I wish there were a way to adjust it!

**Steve M** · 02-10-2018

I've also got a spreadsheet for tracking maintenance items if you'd like (it has some other good info in it too) - just PM your email address, and I'll send it your way.

**RedTanRT/10** · 02-10-2018

Congrats, that’s a great color scheme

Lots of NotCal members on the board and I’m sure they can direct you to a good independent shop as well as viper experienced dealers

In addition to the fluids, get new tires if you’re on the originals. Take a look at the date codes

**commandomatt** · 02-10-2018

One of the best color combos for sure

Congratulations and have fun with it

**JR85** · 02-10-2018

Thank you all. I sold my GTR for the ACR and have instantly fallen in love. So much driver input as opposed to the GTR. If anyone here has experience with any nor cal shops that would be great but will for sure read and search the forums. Does anyone here have a clear bra? And has it been a great investment?

**Steve M** · 02-10-2018

Originally Posted by JR85

Thank you all. I sold my GTR for the ACR and have instantly fallen in love. So much driver input as opposed to the GTR. If anyone here has experience with any nor cal shops that would be great but will for sure read and search the forums. Does anyone here have a clear bra? And has it been a great investment?

I don't have any personal experience with it, but there are a lot of guys on here that have gone down that path:

https://driveviper.com/forums/thread...ght=clear+film

https://driveviper.com/forums/thread...ght=clear+film

https://driveviper.com/forums/thread...ght=clear+film

https://driveviper.com/forums/thread...ght=clear+film

https://driveviper.com/forums/thread...Full-Clear-Bra

Keep in mind that the stripes on the Gen 4s were painted over top of the rest of the paint, so they'll feel raised like it's a vinyl decal. That was discussed in these two threads:

https://driveviper.com/forums/thread...-and-Clear-Bra

https://driveviper.com/forums/thread...a-over-stripes

**13COBRA** · 02-10-2018

Originally Posted by JR85

Thank you all. I sold my GTR for the ACR and have instantly fallen in love. So much driver input as opposed to the GTR. If anyone here has experience with any nor cal shops that would be great but will for sure read and search the forums. Does anyone here have a clear bra? And has it been a great investment?

Mine has 3M clearbra over the entire car. I track mine, so it's a requirement to keeping the paint looking good.

**SA Heat** · 02-10-2018

Everything Steve M said and make sure the tires aren't old.

Just my two cents, if the suspension hasn't been touched (you'll see stickers that "seal" the adjusters if it hasn't), the stock rebound settings on the coil overs are a joke, even dangerous in my opinion. For the street I'd recommend starting 8-10 clicks out and experiment from there.

**BlknBlu** · 02-10-2018

Congrats on the last GEN of the drivers car. The GEN IV Viper including the ACR are pretty bullet proof with very few issues. A few revisions on gearing for the 2010 and a wing change too. I have an 09 which is 40 lbs heavier than yours due to madated changes which made the frame heavier. The Pilot Sport Cup tires do not last the longest, but a very capable track tire for the time. Watch for Window regulator issues and check the trunk struts as they have been known to seperate from the body.

Welcome

Bruce

**JR85** · 02-10-2018

Thank you all for the input. I was able to locate some CF end caps for the spoiler which seem to be a nice touch. I’ll post some pics after install and see how it looks.