98intrigue's long overdue journal

Originally Posted by 98intrigue

roplusbee reminded me that I didn't update my journal when I got a new car...so here we go!

My Gen 3 Viper was fast, unique, and a lot of fun...but the want was strong for a newer Viper. The more I saw it, the more I wanted it. Within 3 weeks of listing my Gen 3 for sale, it was sold and my search was on for a Gen V Viper. I searched relentlessly for about a month before I came across the one for me. What color would I be happy with after having a beautiful HOK Tangelo painted car? Well, I'm happy to say I'm now the owner of a 2014 Orange TA #25 of 93!

The question was how do I get the car home from Idaho where the previous owner lived? I've done road trips from Austin to Tampa and from Baltimore to Tampa in a couple Gen 2 Vipers over the last few years when my friend bought them. Ever since then, I've always wanted to do my own...what better time than now? My parents recently retired and were planning on moving out of state, so this was a great opportunity for my dad and I to spend some quality time together before he left. He was just as excited as I was to make the drive.

Ironically enough, an Edmunds.com journalist was doing a cross-country road trip in a Gen V Viper and passed my car in downtown Nashville. Through the power of Instagram, we exchanged information and my trip ended up being featured by Edmunds. A great way for my dad and I to remember the trip!
Two Vipers Meet In Nashville - 2015 Dodge Viper GT Long-Term Road Test

The 2500+ mile road trip went like this:
Day 1: Pocatello, ID to Denver, CO
Day 2: Denver, CO to Kansas City, MO
Day 3: Kansas City, MO to Chattanooga, TN
Day 4: Chattanooga, TN to Clearwater, FL

My dad and I on my 15th birthday (don't laugh at me, haha) and just myself on my 30th birthday (8 days before I picked up the TA).


The first time laying eyes on it


The views were beautiful




Putting my dad to work


St. Louis


Downtown Nashville




Stopped at the Georgia Aquarium on the way home


And finally home!


So far, I've done the Arrow PCM (good for about 40whp), DSE heat shield (helps keep IATs down), 20" HRE 546Rs (already for sale because I'm a wheel whore), diffuser blades, and got my vanity plate.



Before my new centercaps arrived



If you've read this far, than you deserve to know that I'm selling my TA. I have this weird infatuation with wanting to be unique...and there are now 3 Orange TAs within 20 miles of me. One of them hangs within the same circle I do, so that's part of the motivation to sell it. The other part is I really want to do a Stryker Green Viper or a Stryker Purple Viper... and when I want something, I obsess over it until I get it done. Don't get me wrong...I love my TA! But once you lookup Stryker Green and Stryker Purple, you'll understand