Warning:
I'm bored.
You've been warned.
I'm sitting at work missing a meeting that I don't need to be at. So I thought I'd share how things have been going for the "ViperMan."
Weather up here in Ohio has sucked, plus I've been busy getting ready for that singing gig at PSU last weekend. I had the Viper out two weeks ago just briefly - long enough to put the vanity plate on. I also took photos of the steering wheel and gearshift knob... and then forgot to upload them.
I ordered and received a cruise control module for it from Snake Oyl products. The instructions are terrible, but as far as the product goes it looks pretty good - well built and such. It's supposed to warm up this weekend (and then rain the whole time,) so I'm going to lock myself in my storage garage and try to get it installed.
I've been talking to a guy from the Viper board pretty heavily regarding the topic of adding ABS brakes. He has a '99 GTS and he installed components from a 2001 car. He needed the ABS module, hydraulic control unit, all four steering knuckles, four wheel speed sensors and tone wheels, and then harness components. Contrary to my suspicion, the PCM doesn't get involved with the ABS module - it takes everything it needs from existing sensors. You pretty much just install the parts, make a bracket to mount the module and hyd. unit, run new hoses and harnesses, and you're done. The only problem is you have to move some emissions stuff (I believe the charcoal canister) which is tricky, but not impossible. He said his Viper stops better than his wife's 2004 SRT10. I asked if he was looking to adopt.
I've been debating a lot lately over the repaint/reupholster topic. I've been toying with the idea of selling my Black GTS and trying harder to find a 2001 or 2002 Red Viper - Red being the most unpopular color and thus no one would care if I had it painted. However, even with the continuing gloom over the economy, Viper prices have actually risen on Ebay. (They're still not selling, but owners are holding out for more moolah.) I've nearly convinced myself that I don't really care if there's one less black-and-cognac Viper out on the roads, because within a few years, ANY Viper is going to be rare, whether it's been repainted or not.
So that's it in a nutshell. The ABS and Cruise really do add value to the car. There are some who feel strongly that "nanny" electronic devices don't belong on a Viper, but I say it's a car. If it were purely meant for track driving, it wouldn't come with map pockets, glove boxes or leather seating, either. I'm realizing that this Viper still isn't 100% what I wanted, but I can make it what I want it to be for less hassle than selling it and buying another one.
Bottom line is, I miss driving it, and I can't wait for SPRING!!!
Jeff
