Kids and thier pesky hondas

I guess it all depends on who's doing the building . What's so hard to believe? A first gen Viper is only good for about 400 hp stock which is pretty pathetic for an 8.0 liter V-10.

Yeah, the Viper is good for a lot more power, but what I found won races was torque. We've still got a Comp Coupe that we ran in World Challenge and it dynos at about 650/600. The street GTS I had probably was at around 525 but like I said, the real fun for me was the torque.

Here's a shot of the three cars me and my business partner owned. The yellow one was mine, the blue one was Tom's and the one in the middle is the only one we still own.
 
Yeah, the Viper is good for a lot more power, but what I found won races was torque. We've still got a Comp Coupe that we ran in World Challenge and it dynos at about 650/600. The street GTS I had probably was at around 525 but like I said, the real fun for me was the torque.

Here's a shot of the three cars me and my business partner owned. The yellow one was mine, the blue one was Tom's and the one in the middle is the only one we still own.

Second generation is much nicer. I wanted a Viper in the worst way when they first came out but it wasn't exactly an affordable car. Fast forward A few years and I was ready to buy. As I started shopping around I test drove a 99 and was dissappointed. I then started looking at Vettes and never looked back. I'd sure like to try a newer one now though.
 
So, Is the Rocket faster than your Corvette?


Not trying to be disparaging but if I raced every kid with a fart can that revved on me in my Vette, I'd be racing all day.

My car isn't exactly a sleeper and it's pretty much a street legal race car (and sounds mean as hell). I asked one kid who did a couple of flybys in his 95 Escort what he was trying to prove and he said he just wanted to see what my car could do.

After talking to lots of guys over the years at cruise nights, bike nights, etc. they know my car will beat them badly, but they're gearheads and pretty much just want to see a fast car go fast. They're not the enemy, they're enthusiasts who just don't have the money (or maturity in some cases) to own a really fast car yet.
 
So, Is the Rocket faster than your Corvette?

Can't say for sure. I would say the Rocket is faster 0-60. That I'm pretty sure about.

That brings up the distinction between quicker and faster. As RW points out the Rocket is a beast from 0-60, probably even 0-80 or so. But from there aerodynamics start to enter into the equation, not to mention the dreaded pucker factor.

On a closed course, with attendant safety vehicles (ok, it was on a deserted stretch of interstate in southern Arizona) I had an encounter with a Honda sport bike while driving the Viper. From about 60 he jumped out in front pretty quick. However, once I crossed 130 or so, the contest was over.

Nothing bad to say about his bike, I'm sure he had plenty left, or his decision to abandon the contest. I've seen 140+ on a bike and it isn't for the faint of heart. In a well sorted, high performance auto, its no big deal. Its all about having the right tool for the job at hand.
 
"On a closed course, with attendant safety vehicles (ok, it was on a deserted stretch of interstate in southern Arizona) I had an encounter with a Honda sport bike while driving the Viper. From about 60 he jumped out in front pretty quick. However, once I crossed 130 or so, the contest was over."

I knew it Harry! I'm not the ONLY crazy old guy here! I had my 05 ZX12R to 175 out by Amboy. Believe me THAT was getting fast for a public roadway!!!:eek:
 
Ha. Did you sell the rib breaker yet?:rolleyes:

On another note, I saw two "Like new" Triumph dual sport type bikes in Pioneertown today. Cool bikes! Don't see many Triumph bikes around here.
 
"On a closed course, with attendant safety vehicles (ok, it was on a deserted stretch of interstate in southern Arizona) I had an encounter with a Honda sport bike while driving the Viper. From about 60 he jumped out in front pretty quick. However, once I crossed 130 or so, the contest was over."

I knew it Harry! I'm not the ONLY crazy old guy here! I had my 05 ZX12R to 175 out by Amboy. Believe me THAT was getting fast for a public roadway!!!:eek:

I'm guilty also. Ninja ZX-10R. Made it to 192 mph. Nothing much more than a solid line of trees on each side and a solid white stripe in the center of the freeway. The scary thing is it still had more.
 
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