Hi I'm new to the Forum looking to purchase 96'-00' VIPER

SeanH

I've been doing some research and have some questions:
What are your driving impressions for these models?
I love the GTS styling but also like the RT10 convertible.
I'm mainly interested in the Gen.II body styling, I believe they changed in 96'-'02?

So what do you guys think? I know there are minor HP differences between the GTS and RT10, 96'-02' I mainly want to know what pros and cons exist between the coupe & convertible? Thanks for any input, hope to join the family soon....Currently driving 03'Mercedes S55 AMG


You guys have some beautiful cars....

NOITALL

where are you and what do you want to spend?

SeanH

This Viper purchase I'm planing is going to be used primarily on weekends
you know fair weather days, hopefully checkin' out the ladys...
I'm in Santa Barbara, Ca. I hope to get a fairly good bargain around $40k-$48k not incld. tax. lic. considering my daily driver keeps me busy w/car payments.

SNAKE HYDES

GTS and RT/10 have the same HP no different from the factory.
Chad

Tie

With the exception being only in '96 as the GTS claimed 450hp while the RT/10 claimed 415hp.

Tanked

For the price you are looking for. Hold tight. You'll be able to pick up a GTS for that price. Just take your time. It took me 2 years to find my viper. Besure to get a color you like.

SeanH

Thanks for all your replys, what are your driving impressions for the models I listed? any concerns or known issues that I should look out for? I'm going to have the car I choose, gone thru from stem to stern buy an authorized Viper mechanic before purchase.
Thanks again.....

Minivan Man

You will find no differences in reliability between the models. You will find some differences between the years. (One exception--early GTS rear hatch glass issue). If you want a summary of differences, do some searching in the archives--your questions have been asked before repeatedly.

R/Ts are presently cheaper than GTSs, and given your use (weekend driver in sunny California), that is probably your best bet. If you were to be a track rat, that would favor the GTS.

You can get tons of R/Ts for mid forties right now. 1999 was the last of the forged pistons, which really only matters if you are going to heavily modify the car. 2001-02 were the only years with ABS. I think that for your "fun weekend driver" use you can't go wrong on any R/T 1998 and above.

SeanH

Schill thanks for your time you've helped out a lot...... :thumb:

Rich Detert

Here's two ads from the Sunday St.Louis Post Dispatch.

'01 Viper GTS, 6spd, yel/blk, ex. cond, 21k, $46,900. (314) 422-9900

'97 Viper 6spd, red, only 34k, ex cond. New Price $38,888 Stock # 2681B
Paul Cerame Ford (314) 838-2400

I don't know anything about the cars, just saw the ads.
Depending on the history of the cars , they could really be a deals.

I toy with the idea of selling mine sometimes (to finance another car project),
but I can't seem to bring myself to do it.

I know if I sold it, I'd regret it.

packetjunkie

Click on CLASSIFIEDS at the top of the page to see listings here.

SeanH

Thanks for your help guys, I'm definitely going to take my time w/this purchase I can't wait! I feel like a little kid checking these awesome machines out...
I went to a local dealership after the gym tonight and they have what looks to be an 03'-04' gen III Viper, (black on black) I have to say, "I really don't like the lines of it, almost looks like a Big Brother version of the Vette? they refined the lines way to much! what were they thinking? No offense to anyone who has 1 or likes the new styling.
I think the best styling is easily the gen II! it doesn't look like anything else on the road totally original, Intimidating! just a Super Freak!!!

Chuck 98 RT10

Groan.

Another poser infiltrates the ranks.

SeanH

Boy Chuck thanks for the welcome???????????? :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

Chuck 98 RT10

LOL You should see the usual welcomes these guys give.

SeanH

In that case no sweat! I can understand, I'm new here and have to prove myself so to speak...

ERDOC

Do you plan to cruise in the car or really drive the crap out of it on the weekends? If you plan to just cruise, buy a stock car with no mods or poser mods like rims and such. If you plan to drive it, look for a modified car. You will pay far less for mods that someone else has already paid full price for. Personally I would go for a good conditioned heavily modified car over a pristine garage queen for the same price.

SeanH

Oh I definitely plan to "Drive It Like I Stoled It" I'm not going for the cutie pie look of big wheels, maybe some 18" HRE'S but that's it.
As far as modding I totally agree w/you, I can't keep my hands and check book off my cars.
If the car I find doesn't have it, it will get Upgraded Exhaust system, Free Flowing (or no) cat's, Smooth tube intake, and ROE Supercharger.
I've never been a track rat, but I would love to check it out! when I get this Viper, all the cars I've owned up to this point I think, wouldn't be appropriate
for the track. Thanks for the reply I'm definitely looking for one w/as many mods as possible besides NOS, I want to keep this Viper for a long time.

Tanked

I was going to say something...but fuck it.

V10 MOJO

ummmm and why, grasshopper, must you prove yourself "so to speak"

anyway; for all practical purposes there are NOT HP differences between gts and rt10 there are cosmetic differences only. hp differences are year not model specific

IMO nothing beats a convertible. nothing beats riding on a nice day with no roof on a car except a bike. IMO the rt10 got all the peformance of the gts with better looks so its a nobrainer