ACR Viper vs C4 ZR1

[Hog]

Saying the Viper used a truck engine isn't accurate. The V-10 was installed in the Viper 2 model years before it was available in the Dodge trucks.
The trucks got the iron block V10 from 1994-2003 in 488 cid and only in the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.
Though the 488 prototype was a Magnum 5.9 with 2 extra cylinders, the Viper V-10 was never cast in iron.


The only actual Viper V10 that saw truck useage was the aluminum block V-10 in the 505cid version for MY 2004, 05, 2006 with a total production of 9,527 Dodge Ram SRT-10s 1/2 ton trucks. 6 speed manual trans was used in the reg cab 2wd(13.6@106 1/4 mile time/speed weighing 5100lbs), while the 48RE auto trans was used in the Quad cab 2wd version(13.7 seconds at 100 mph weighing 5600lbs).

[rush91]

Originally Posted by Hog

Saying the Viper used a truck engine isn't accurate. The V-10 was installed in the Viper 2 model years before it was available in the Dodge trucks.
The trucks got the iron block V10 from 1994-2003 in 488 cid and only in the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.
Though the 488 prototype was a Magnum 5.9 with 2 extra cylinders, the Viper V-10 was never cast in iron.


The only actual Viper V10 that saw truck useage was the aluminum block V-10 in the 505cid version for MY 2004, 05, 2006 with a total production of 9,527 Dodge Ram SRT-10s 1/2 ton trucks. 6 speed manual trans was used in the reg cab 2wd(13.6@106 1/4 mile time/speed weighing 5100lbs), while the 48RE auto trans was used in the Quad cab 2wd version(13.7 seconds at 100 mph weighing 5600lbs).

I thought Lamborghini reworked the cast iron block V10, by redoing the heads and block out of aluminum.


"A man who would prove vital to Viper, Francois Castaing, was at that time head of Chrysler's Jeep and Truck Engineering division. He had come over in July 1987, after a career in European motorsports, where he helped turbocharge Formula 1 as technical director of Renault's Formula 1 effort.
"One of the first major projects we got going was to put a new big V-10, a big gas truck engine, on its way," Castaing recalled. "Jokingly, we said, 'That's the kind of engine that back in the '60s, Bizzarrini and DeTomaso would have bought to create the great sports car of back then. You know, very powerful, torquey, big gas American engine, put into a nice body.' And we kept saying, 'Well, maybe we should sell the engine to people like that.' Bob [Lutz] owns a Cobra, so Cobra was another car we talked about. One day -- and I don't remember how it happened -- but the idea of creating a concept car like the Cobra, using the big gas truck engine as a core, came up."


You are right that it was put in the Viper before going into production trucks. But it was still designed as a truck engine before going into the Viper.

[ssrszz4]

Or for the price of a new acr you could buy one of every year ZR1

[Mr Blue]

I was never a huge fan of Vipers. They were at best a curiosity. When I began my search for a leisure vehicle, I wanted a rare vehicle with a history of accomplishment. Having owned 70's Trans Ams, a Taurus SHO and an '88 Fiero, I was all over the map. They were all fun cars but lacked any lasting legacy. The ZR-1 has all of that, plus. Vipers have no real lasting history, IMO. You can get a lot of better performing newer cars than a stock Z, if you want to pay for them. Whether you keep it stock or modify it a ZR-1 retains it's character. Besides, this forum and the way the members help each other maintain their passion is an added benefit you can't place a value on. If you want better performance, go after a Callaway or Lingenfelter ZR-1. just my $.02.

[Vette73]

Spend more money? Thats an understatement......From what i hear a new ACR costs 145K?..........a 90S ZR-1,,15K-25K......Apples to oranges......

[ssrszz4]

For that kind of money I would be looking for a Lamborghini Murciélago!

[Vette73]

A somewhat fair comparison would be the new Z06 not a 90s ZR-1.....Get a well taken care of 90s Z and modify it, if its not modified already....After that, hand the keys to your friend and let him take it for a ride ..I'm sure he will be impressed...

[5ABI VT]

I find it hard to compare the two. The biggest difference besides the price is in refinement. The 16s are fast, really fast. Solid and tight. Have a tight cockpit which I like and the styling I actually like but not love. Its a way better car but is it as special as the Zr-1 Id say no. the better car? yes. is it still special? It definitely is. If it had a dohc V10 I can honestly and surely tell you that i'd be in one !!

[Zrracer]

I have owned both an ACR 2011 and a LPE ZR1 1990.
My ACR trashed almost anything on a road course. I think it's still one of the fastest production cars on a road course. The new one has broken every track record it ha been to.
I think I just saw the new ZR1 time at the ring is about the same as my 2011. That 2011 time was not a factory effort. It was a dealer who took 2 vipers and hired a shoe.
Asking about Vipers on a Corvette forum is not going to get you the most objective answers.
The viper has comfortable leather seats that smell like leather. I have never owned a vette with good seats. I think most leather in vets is pleather. The magic combination of plastic and leather.
The viper, I believe, will hold its value better.
Trash the new ZO6 in the track. Even if it does not overheat.
It's just not a fair comparison. A 90ies car vs a new viper.
When the new ZR1 comes out that should be the equal to the new ACR.
You really should go drive one. It's a wonderful experience.
What a great problem u have.
Robin

[32valvesftw]

If money is not a consideration buy the Viper, and buy a C4 ZR-1 as a spare. Go big or go home as they say.
If money is an issue then just buy the Viper!
Seriously I love my Z but a new Viper must be better in almost every category.