Messages

GSTG,

If you still have your OE tires, they will be very, very slippery, especially if you are supercharged and 3.73 geared.  Any drag radial, even a size or two narrower will give you much more traction than your old Pilot Sports or new Pilot Sports for that matter.

I just checked tire rack (good place for tire info, www.tirerack.com) and they don't show BFG drag radials in 315 / 17, so not sure if they're available.  Check with BFG.  BFG drag radials are about as sticky as you can get in a radial tire.  They are not as sticky as true "slicks" but they are very good none the less.

In a street type tire, Kumho makes its very sticky Ecsta V-700 in 315 / 17.  I run Kumhos in 335 / 30 / 18 on the back of my SRT-10 on the street when caravaning / cornering with other Vipers.  My SRT-10 makes 925 rwhp so traction is always an issue.  These tires work very well when warm.

Nitto also makes drag radials and I have had good experience with them.  These aren't quite as sticky as the BFG's but last much longer and ride very smoothly on the street.  I use these on my SRT when I'm feeling like chewing up some Ferraris or Porsche GTs.

Good luck,

Dan

Pretty wheels too!

Hey Lance,

Bummer on the caliper.  Glad you were able to repair it.

Anxious to see your car with the new brakes and wheels.

Dan

Dave, I knew you had a soft spot for red Vipers.

James,

The BFG's are dot tires.  They come with only 5/32nds tread depth when new, aren't conventionally rated and wear very quickly.  They look bald almost immediately.  You likely won't have any problems, but if you get a cop with nothing else to do one day, you could get harrassed - it happens.  We also get harassed some times for having no front license plate.  I keep mine in the trunk with a "stick on" plastic front bracket (from Parts Rack) just in case.

I normally run the Nitto drag radials on the street in my SRT.  They aren't quite as sticky as the BFG's but do last longer and are Z speed rated.  No issues with them and the cops yet .....

Dan

James,

18-inch SSR's make good track wheels.  Not sure how wide your SSR's are.  If I were you, I'd likely run regular non-run flat Michelin Pilot Sports front and rear.  275 or 285 / 18 fronts and 335 / 18 rears.  The other option is Michelin PS2's.  They are the newer version of the Pilots but may not hold up too well on the rear of your high horsepower Viper.  Also, I think you could buy just two rear rims and keep your BFG's on the other set for the street / drags.

I would strongly recommend that you get a roll bar for your car.  We have many sections of roads here that are twisty and a bit mountainous.  DC can help with the roll bar either custom or Autoform.  Viper days has a few hard tops and will loan you one if you register early.

You can drive with your top down with a roll bar but you'll need five or six point harnesses and arm restraints (no big deal).  It is fun to drive topelss at Buttonwillow.

The sessions are about 20 minutes.  You should have no overheating issues at that time of the year as it will be cool and if you have a problem, you can quit running any time you would like during a session.  You won't be at full throttle much of the time at your power level. 

I don't have any overheating issues with my Paxton SRT as long as I'm moving.

Hope to see you there.

Dan

Hey Dave,

We're planning to go to this one too.

Dan and Cathy

James,

You will love Viper Days.  Cathy and I will be there, both driving our Vipers.  We are planning to go up Friday for a test and tune day with several other Viper owners. 

First, though your car will be classified "unlimited", you will run in the beginner's (green) group.  You won't have much choice on this as you are a newbie with no track experience.  You will also get an instructor, attend classes and you will be glad that you did both.  I started this way two years ago in my supercharged car and had a blast.  I wasted them in the straights - and then they caught me in the turns!

I have done a few driving schools and I always learned something from them, but there is nothing like driving and learning in your own car.

We'll have a garage rented for the so cal group and there should be a pretty good turn out considereing that it's a superbowl weekend.  The dinner on Saturday night is always fun.  Stay at the host hotel if you can.  There are some pretty good rookie discounts too.

As for tires, your drag radials won't make it on the track.  Just run a set of Michelin Pilots Sports, OE tires and wheels work best for your first few times at the track.  Don't mix tires.  They should be the same brand, type and about the same age.  If you are currently running 18's, you can get Pilot Sports in those sizes.  275 / 35 / 18 front and 335 / 30 / 18 rear.  Call JonB at Parts Rack.  He may have some deals on tire / wheel take offs that you can use at the track and save you some $$$.

I don't recommend PS Cups for a supercharged car - I tried them.  The rears can get hot and very greasy with your power level.

Buttonwillow is a great place to learn to drive your car and Viper Days is the best venue.  Archer Racing is onsite if you should have car related issues.  They can fix most anything.

If you act quickly, they have a few hartops that they loan to SRT-10 owners at no charge.  You will need one to run if you don't have a roll bar. 

Remember that you are there to learn and you will be very slow compared to other experienced drivers.  If you like driving your car fast (I saw your video), you should give this a try.  You will likely get hooked like I have.

PM me at [email protected] for more info.

Dan

PS  Again, your in CA now.  Don't get caught running those BFG's on the street by the local police or you may get a ticket.

Hey No Rice,

Hopefully, you have a helmet, a driving suit and shoes.  If not, you will need at least a helmet, cotton pants and a long sleeve cotton shirt.  Driving gloves may also be required.  Come to the local breakfast and tech seminar on Jan 20 at Subie Sports - see event calendar.  I know, it's too late for this drag event but there will be many more driving events coming.  These private events are usually more liberal than the regular NHRA events but I have not run with this group before.  You can usually get away with 11.6 or higher without any issues.    If you go faster, they may want to check your roll bar, six points, fire extenguisher, 1/2 shaft loops, scatter shield, etc.  Welcome to CA.   I have all this stuff on my SRT-10, but I can't make this one - I'll be returning from VCA Prez school on Sunday.   Keep your top up and be conservative in all that you say to your tech guy.  Don't go too fast and you'll have fun.

You really ought to get some safety stuff you know.  You're making too much power not to.  DC will do the roll bars and stuff and Subie will outfit you.

Dan

Random thoughts on the Christmas Party.

This was a very nice venue, hard to do better

Yes, Bruce, my cheeks were rosy. 

The wine and the food were very good.

Richard can sing.

That gavel was much smaller than I thought it would be.....

Long drive in a stiffly suspended car, should have taken the regular car.

Next years Christmas party will be in the OC.  We are working on it but really need to know about attendance so we can book the proper size place.  Thoughts? 8)

Chad, the owner of Sube Sports is a great guy with a ton of experience.  He has won something like 5 world rally car championships.  He will be doing a safety seminar for us.  His store stocks helmets, driving suits, driving shoes, driving undergarments (nomex), race seats and other neat stuff. 

You wouldn't belive how many requests I have received in the last few years about where to get a proper car helmet.

Breakfast prior to cruising up to Subes will be at the Fashion Island Coco's.  Arrive at about 8:30, breakfast at 9:00, cruise up PCH to Subes after breakfast.  Seminar should be about 1 hour depending on questions and attendance. 

Hope for a good turnout.  If it rains, we can drive our other cars! 8)

Hi Eric,

I think this is generally a good idea.  I would add that it would be nice to have one or two primary attendees at each location each month.  Cathy and I would do the Orange County spot (though I would change the location - more later), Tony and Sherrie could do the Riverside / SB spot, you could do the Valley and Dave could do SD (likely at Carlsbad) if agreeable to all.  If you or any primary attendee couldn't make it for whatever reason, you could hopefully get another club member to help out in your place.

On the subject of Crystal Cove (this is where I'd choose to meet in OC) the time is now 7:00 AM to get into the show.  There is no entry prior to 7:00 AM.  You could arrive at any time from 7:00 on and park out of the show.  The restaurant is quite nice, the venue is unbeatable, Starbucks is next door and we could schedule breakfast for 8:30 or ?.  I think we could likely get a standing reservation.  For those that want to get up early, the car show can be fun and become a regular event.

Dan