Picked up a radio shack 1/43 Viper today. $11.99(new rat shak price)

[chelboed]

I just got one that had been returned. The left headlight lense is missing, so I got it for $5.00!!! FIVE BUCKS!!!

Does anyone have a problem with theirs going straight? Mine is fine under normal power, but when I hammer the throttle, it goes to one side or the other. It doesn't get even traction on both sides all the time. One side spins and the other hooks up. Any ideas? I have tried twisting the chassis to make it straighten out a bit. It helped a little.

WOW, what a deal, though. It's not as fast as my 4cell Epoch spec2, but it's fun.

[chelboed]

I just did a 4 cell mod on the Viper, and it's a smidge faster than my 4 cell Epoch Spec2 WRC.

Viper vs. Epoch

1. Steering is slower than the Epoch. It is definately nice with the 6 position steering, but still not as smooth or quick as the Epoch.

2. Speed: Out of the box, Viper is faster. If you do the 4 cell mod on both cars, Viper is faster. Speed proportionality is pretty smooth and functional on the Viper, but the Epoch is much smoother.

3. Handling? EPOCH all the way, bro! The Viper handles MUCH beter than my 3 cell Zap because of the proportionality, but the EPOCH rules the roost here.

4. Traction: The Epoch gets much better traction and accelerates straighter. On smooth floors, the Viper that I got donut's out if you hammer the throttle. You have to ease into it with the Viper.

5. Weight: Viper is lighter. Probably why traction is not so good. The Epoch seems more to scale weight wise.

6. Charger: Both use a 6AA pod that they sit on. The Viper charger is less tedious. Charge time is much longer on the Viper. I haven't checked with a clock, but run time seems longer as well.

7. Extra's: Viper-headlights, turn signals, and hazard lights that are controlled by the Tx. Epoch-L/R drift adj. and fwd/rev trim adj. on the Tx. Very important to me. The Viper has a cheesy plastic drift on the bottom of the chassis.

OVERALL IMPRESSION: Epoch all the way man!!!!!!
Viper is a decent entry level car, but the Epoch is worth the price.
Pony Up! The Viper is only slightly faster than the Epoch, but enough to notice. I still love the Epoch TONS better. It is much more controllable, and FULLY proportional. The Viper is fun, but it is no match for the Epoch Indoor Racer!

An Epoch can be found in the neighborhood of $90. The Viper (if you can find one) can be found for about $10. (I got mine for $5)

I'm thinking of one of these. I honestly CANNOT afford an epolch at $90. Are the parts swappable with epos?

[chelboed]

I'm not sure that much would be. You wouldn't want to put any of the Viper stuff on the Epoch, for fear of dumbing it down. If you wanna put Epoch stuff on the Viper, that would be okay. The battery pak looks the same all the way down to the + sticker on the one side. I think tires are swapable. I haven't checked much else. I don't want to take anything off my Epoch.

I like 1:43 scale cars I used to collect the NASCAR 1:43 cars but the local NASCAR shop shut down. Parents woun''t drive me to the other side of the other town (Milpitas) Anyone willing to sell me their viper?

[devedander]

Anyone figure out how to fix the sharp turning one way on these? I know some people have ones that work perfect so it's not a flaw in design.

[Btman]

I have noticed that my Viper turns evenly on a higher traction surface. This is probably due to the lack of a differential compared to the Epoch rear axle. If you are running on a low traction surface such as a hardware or tile floor, that may be the problem. Roughing up the tires a little with sandpaper may help if that is your problem. The lack of rear differential is one of the main reasons the viper does not handle tight circles as well as the Epoch racer. The RS Viper is still a very good car for the money in my opinion.

Can someone please sell me a viper. I have $4 right now & am hopefully getting $5 from a bit char-g motor sale.

[deoblehc]

I'll trade you mine for an Epoch