I experimented running a very short guitar sample along side a few other sounds into the Virus's filters and FX. Go here
http://www.sunesha.nu/virusforum/viewtopic.php?t=2632 to see the thread I started about it if you like.
I really like using the VC for processing sounds.
EDIT: As far as shapping sounds with the Virus, there are a fair few options for it actually. Of course using the standand ASDR envelopes are a good start though. Then comes LFO madness and the like - not forgetting to mention the Vocoda.