1st drive in TA

[Boba Fett]

So as some of you know, my orange # 68 is my 1st Viper coming out of a 2011 ZR1. Due to an unfortunate circumstance I was only able to get about 105 miles on her which I will elaborate on in a few.

So me and my bud head down to cars and coffee in Yorktown. Hes in a 2011 ZR1. We play around a little bit on I84, but remember I am still in the "break in" zone. I absolutely love the way this car drives and handles. I am a very spirited driver and always appreciated the rep of the Viper being its aggressive and intimidating demeanor and find this to be accurate. This car is racy in every way and just seems to wrap around you when you get into it (maybe typical of vipers in general).

So anyway, I realize that in stats, the ZR and TA are just about identical definitely making it a (drivers race). However, I can tell you the aggressive feeling and car/driver relationship with this car is much more intense (exactly what I wanted).

As I said before, the ZR def has more low end torque which is nice for the street. The ZR while a beast just like the TA, is a very comfortable easy going car when not being pushed. You almost forget just what a beast she is at times. Just doesn't feel this way in the TA.

As for the oohs and ahhs, the looks were constant. Even had one fellow in a ford explorer, stop and take pics of the snake. 2 drives, and the 2nd time this has happened. Only when it comes to cars am I an attention whore

I did get at least 1 or 2 members over on the vette forum say that I was absolutely crazy to go the TA from the ZR, but hey---that was to be expected. Most guys just gave me a big congrats and some give the TA a BIG thumbs up.

Anyway, as I got off I84 and on to the Taconic, I made some way on my bud. After 3 miles on the Taconic, my phone rings and its my buddies wife who is plenty distressed and tells me that my buddies car is in flames. I quickly make a u and head back. I find my best car buddy (& 1 of my best friends) on the shoulder, helplessly watching his 2011 ZR1 engulfed in flames.

You are reading correct. He told me as he was downshifting, the clutch dropped to the floor and seconds later he saw smoke. Pulled over and could not even get the hood open. What a horrible incident to have to witness and share with my friend.

I thank God truly that both he and his wife came out of this unharmed.

[VYPR BYT]

Your car is officially a vette killer.

Glad nobody was hurt.

[FLATOUT]

Wow man didn't see that end coming. I do feel terrible for your friend. I don't joke about that stuff it can happen so even the best platforms.

[ViperSmith]

Wow man didn't see that end coming. I do feel terrible for your friend. I don't joke about that stuff it can happen so even the best platforms.

People sometimes forget they are all capable of burning to the ground lol.



Glad you like the TA. At the low end the ZR1 wins, but once you get WOT the Viper is just a monster.

The scariest part about the attention is a driver behind you recording on his phone - STOP IT!

[Space Truckin]

Nice read, it is an animal that never lets you tame it and also very SEXY SORRY for your bud's ZR1

[TitleMine]

Sucks. Sounds like the slave cylinder probably popped and crapped its contents right onto the bell housing and the fluid ignited and burned the car down. The oil pan, cats, etc are all right in that area, so I could see it going big fast.

So glad your buddy is OK, and that no one was hurt. I love vipers, but the ZR1 is definitely a future classic too. sad to see one go.

[Bitten]

People sometimes forget they are all capable of burning to the ground lol.



Glad you like the TA. At the low end the ZR1 wins, but once you get WOT the Viper is just a monster.

The scariest part about the attention is a driver behind you recording on his phone - STOP IT!

Its amazing how scary it can be with other people taking pictures and video. I have never seen people react like they do with ANY Viper. It doesn't matter Gen I through Gen V people just can't seem to get enough.

Boba Fett, Congrats on the car and sorry about your friend. Have fun and enjoy your new Viper!!!!

[Lawrenzo]

Welcome to the world of car paparazzi. Just don't let them do a "Princess Diana" on you

[Boba Fett]

Thanks 2 all for your kind words!! Great group here!

Its amazing how scary it can be with other people taking pictures and video. I have never seen people react like they do with ANY Viper. It doesn't matter Gen I through Gen V people just can't seem to get enough.

Boba Fett, Congrats on the car and sorry about your friend. Have fun and enjoy your new Viper!!!!

Thanks Bitten, appreciate it!!

[ICPREY]

The scariest part about the attention is a driver behind you recording on his phone - STOP IT!

It's scarier when they do it coming towards you at an intersection.

Great to hear the Gen V guys love the car. Maybe I'll buy a used one some day.

[Derek Short]

Glad Your buddy and wife are OK! And congratz on the TA! They look awesome!

Now just one question? Is your buddy going to convert over to a TA Viper also now? That would be pretty sweet

[VENOM V]

Glad Your buddy and wife are OK! And congratz on the TA! They look awesome!

Now just one question? Is your buddy going to convert over to a TA Viper also now? That would be pretty sweet

Agreed, yikes and glad everyone's okay. Although I feel for the ZR1 owner, it reminds me of the time I rolled a nearly new 4 x 4. Looking on the bright side, I got a new machine out of the deal. Gen V's are at amazing prices, could be a sign from the mighty car gods for him to pick one up too.

[Fatboy 18]

Car Fires are not fun Nothing worse than seeing your pride and Joy reduced to cinders Im sure your friends pride took a dent that day but thank god they got out the car OK. Sounds like you were both having fun.....up to the point of the fire!

Having seen my old Cobra go up in flames its not a nice feeling

Congrats on the new ride
thanks for posting.

[Dman]

I'm wincing at thinking about a ZR burning to the ground, what a shame, so glad he's OK, that's all that really matters, what a bummer ending for what sounds like an awesome day.

Congrats on the car, and since your friend is OK and since someday, maybe not soon, but someday, you guys will tell the story and laugh, you can include that you literally took him down in flames with your TA. But do wait a while, like a long while. Poor guy, I hope insurance comes thru decently for him .. maybe he should come to the darkside too with the settlement cash. Just sayin.

[Murpowa]

I am glad your buddy is okay. Maybe it's time to convert him to the darkside

[Boba Fett]

Car Fires are not fun Nothing worse than seeing your pride and Joy reduced to cinders Im sure your friends pride took a dent that day but thank god they got out the car OK. Sounds like you were both having fun.....up to the point of the fire!

Having seen my old Cobra go up in flames its not a nice feeling

Congrats on the new ride
thanks for posting.

we were having alotta fun-always do! My friend and his wife are great hard working ppl, so along with the thanks to God that they were not hurt, its still a major bummer as you stated-seeing your pride and joy reduced to cinders. Us who are passionate about what we take pride in can understand this with ease, esp those who have experienced it

I'm wincing at thinking about a ZR burning to the ground, what a shame, so glad he's OK, that's all that really matters, what a bummer ending for what sounds like an awesome day.

Congrats on the car, and since your friend is OK and since someday, maybe not soon, but someday, you guys will tell the story and laugh, you can include that you literally took him down in flames with your TA. But do wait a while, like a long while. Poor guy, I hope insurance comes thru decently for him .. maybe he should come to the darkside too with the settlement cash. Just sayin.

I will def keep that joke in mind-although a bad day, like you I have a crude sense of humor...insurance so far are cooperating..

I am glad your buddy is okay. Maybe it's time to convert him to the darkside

I think GM is doing the converting all on their own...

Agreed, yikes and glad everyone's okay. Although I feel for the ZR1 owner, it reminds me of the time I rolled a nearly new 4 x 4. Looking on the bright side, I got a new machine out of the deal. Gen V's are at amazing prices, could be a sign from the mighty car gods for him to pick one up too.

Hes thinking bout a black 1...

Glad Your buddy and wife are OK! And congratz on the TA! They look awesome!

Now just one question? Is your buddy going to convert over to a TA Viper also now? That would be pretty sweet

thanks 4 da congrats...

It's scarier when they do it coming towards you at an intersection.

Great to hear the Gen V guys love the car. Maybe I'll buy a used one some day.

I agree, that would be scary!

[MI Viper]

Sucks for you bud and his wife, but they are ok, and that's really what matters. Maybe once the insurance dust settles, he might be a "snake charmer" when it's all over and done with....!

[johniew398]

Glad your friend is ok.

I had a 2009 ZR1 and loved it for a DD but nothing like the fun of a Viper. I've since switched the ACR I had to TA Orange #6 and wouldn't trade it for any Vette I've owned. My wife didn't think the TA would get near as much attention as the ACR but it gets even more attention.

As others have said maybe your buddy will take the insurance money and get a Viper.

[Thawk97]

I was waiting to hear you say that you guys got a little too aggressive and you wrecked the TA into the Vette. Glad that wasn't the case and that everyone is ok. Really hurts to hear stories like that.

[Boba Fett]

Sucks for you bud and his wife, but they are ok, and that's really what matters. Maybe once the insurance dust settles, he might be a "snake charmer" when it's all over and done with....!

maybe, hes really talking bout a black snake

Glad your friend is ok.

I had a 2009 ZR1 and loved it for a DD but nothing like the fun of a Viper. I've since switched the ACR I had to TA Orange #6 and wouldn't trade it for any Vette I've owned. My wife didn't think the TA would get near as much attention as the ACR but it gets even more attention.

As others have said maybe your buddy will take the insurance money and get a Viper.

how do you compare the ZR to the TA???

[Boba Fett]

I was waiting to hear you say that you guys got a little too aggressive and you wrecked the TA into the Vette. Glad that wasn't the case and that everyone is ok. Really hurts to hear stories like that.

yea, that woulda hurt much more......we do get a little aggressive from time to time however...