NFB Grand National vs. Viper GTS video

[Joe 1320]

I'm gonna agree with Joe & Kevin. In the video, it looks like the Viper just gave up after 3rd, but he did have a strong 1st and 2nd gear. But for some reason it looked like the Viper didn't know how to shift? The viper should have walked them at least in the upper end of the race.. but didn't pull at all.

And that may not always be the case either. It will totally depend on the setup of the car. Stan Davis constructed a GN for the Silver State Classic that was good for well in excess of 200 mph. The biggest problem with the car is the aerodynamics. The unmodified body has a tendency to lift off the ground at speeds over 140. F-bodys feel way more stable at speed. I know a couple of fellow GN owners with the proper mods done, went well over 150. The launch was a little soft, but those cars pulled like a banshee from a second gear roll all the way to the high side of 150. With a more dragstrip setup and a stout lauch, these cars easily would be a high 9 second car. We're talking highly modified here and not too stock looking either, but still steet drivers capible of daily chores. Definatly a wicked weapon.

[Nightrage]

This is funny as hell to me My dad has a 96 Viper GTS and his godson (a close family friend) has an 87 Grand National. As much as i hate to give the Viper any credit, (the hatch leaks a LOT, his brakes have locked up more than once, racially confused white kids have responded with such classics as "WOOT WOOT!" and "THAT CAR IS MAD HOT YO!", the seat belt goes the opposite way so when you get into the car you have to make sure the buckle doesn't go up your @$$ and half the time, even when the doors are unlocked, you can't use the regular door handle to open the door up, you need to pull the emergency latch) it will abuse the Grand National all day long, not to mention outhandle the bejesus out of it. Either the GN was modified or the guy driving the Viper didn't know how to drive........maybe he missed 3rd?

[N20LT4Bird]

This is funny as hell to me My dad has a 96 Viper GTS and his godson (a close family friend) has an 87 Grand National. As much as i hate to give the Viper any credit, (the hatch leaks a LOT, his brakes have locked up more than once, racially confused white kids have responded with such classics as "WOOT WOOT!" and "THAT CAR IS MAD HOT YO!", the seat belt goes the opposite way so when you get into the car you have to make sure the buckle doesn't go up your @$$ and half the time, even when the doors are unlocked, you can't use the regular door handle to open the door up, you need to pull the emergency latch) it will abuse the Grand National all day long, not to mention outhandle the bejesus out of it. Either the GN was modified or the guy driving the Viper didn't know how to drive........maybe he missed 3rd?

Obviously, youre talking stock for stock. I agree, hands down the viper has it. But, for a few bucks and several pounds of boost more.....the GN will walk all over the viper.

[fastTa]

This is funny as hell to me My dad has a 96 Viper GTS and his godson (a close family friend) has an 87 Grand National. As much as i hate to give the Viper any credit, (the hatch leaks a LOT, his brakes have locked up more than once, racially confused white kids have responded with such classics as "WOOT WOOT!" and "THAT CAR IS MAD HOT YO!", the seat belt goes the opposite way so when you get into the car you have to make sure the buckle doesn't go up your @$$ and half the time, even when the doors are unlocked, you can't use the regular door handle to open the door up, you need to pull the emergency latch) it will abuse the Grand National all day long, not to mention outhandle the bejesus out of it. Either the GN was modified or the guy driving the Viper didn't know how to drive........maybe he missed 3rd?

That was the entire point of this discussion was to show that a moderately modded GN can make some sick power. Ridalin time! J/K

For a turbo powered v-6, which I believe is in the range of 278 cubes, it is mighty impressive that it walked the Viper which has a displacement of 505 cubes! And, I have driven a friends 97 Viper, and although it handled pretty well it didn't handle near as well as I thought it would. They are slightly heavy cars with a disproportionately(spell check) balanced heavy front end.

[94T/A ADZE670]

looked to me like the gn was the one that said go, giving him the head start. And there was traffic, all three of the cars dont seem to be moving that fast, besides what kind of idiot races past 3 gear in traffic.

[stingant0]

I have a friend back near Peoria that has a Turbo T/A. It weighs in around 3850 lbs, leather and everything still in it and operational. Last time I talked with him it ran a 11.3 1/4 mile. He dosen't want to go anyfaster because he would need a roll cage (he wants all the bells and whistles and it to look stock). That car is amazing. He has a bigger turbo on it (cause he sold the GN t4 turbo to my buddy for his 12.6 1983 charger) and then has some other stuff. Anyway...we had it up to 150 in just a few seconds, we backed of becuase we ran out of road. Just think, the GN with a Trans Am GTA body...no more areodynamic problems. So I have no doubt about a GN beating a viper.

[jspeed97]

I guess I will drop a line about this post as well. GNs are not to be underestimated. My Dad has an 86 T-type, same engine as the GN. I am a member of Turbobuick.com because over the last month I have been helping him restore and modify it. The car only has 77K miles on it and is in Awesome condition, but the Turbo went out on it. Right now we are going through everything. So far we have a new Walbro 340 Racetronix fuel pump, Bosch 42.5lb injectors, and a new chip to handle the Turbo we ordered yesterday. We went with a Garrett GT3255e from Fullthrottlespeed.com. From what I understand, if we boost 18psi, we should be able to run mid to low 12s. Not bad for a 18 year old car. A stock 86' or 87' can run 14.0 on 12psi boost. So these cars are definite sleepers to the import crowd (RICERS). I can't wait to drive the 86 after we get the Turbo on, should be a big difference.

[xxRillixx]

That was the entire point of this discussion was to show that a moderately modded GN can make some sick power. Ridalin time! J/K

For a turbo powered v-6, which I believe is in the range of 278 cubes, it is mighty impressive that it walked the Viper which has a displacement of 505 cubes! And, I have driven a friends 97 Viper, and although it handled pretty well it didn't handle near as well as I thought it would. They are slightly heavy cars with a disproportionately(spell check) balanced heavy front end.

I agree, ive read many articles stating that the car was fast, but unpredictable, and didnt handle nearly as well as the Z06 or Cobra. I wish i could find the program i recorded when they compaired all 3 in a variety of tests. Anyways, with the new body style, they 'supposedly' fix this problem.

[fastTa]

I agree, ive read many articles stating that the car was fast, but unpredictable, and didnt handle nearly as well as the Z06 or Cobra. I wish i could find the program i recorded when they compaired all 3 in a variety of tests. Anyways, with the new body style, they 'supposedly' fix this problem.

I have the video of when Motorweek tested the 2000 Cobra R, 2001 ZO6, and 2001 Viper. The only praise the Viper got was the 450 hp. The ZO6 was of course the overall pick! No offense to any Viper owners , but in my opinion the Viper is one of the most overrated and overtalked car in recent history.

Here it is (9.72 MB):
Motorweek Shootout