[Technique]

My first post...

I want to get an RT/10 (gotta have the convertible) and I want the 450hp engine and upgrades that came with the 1996 GTS, so from what I see, the earliest viper I can get, that meets these needs, is the 1997 RT/10... Is there anything I should know about that year? Should I be looking at a 1998 RT/10 instead because 1997 was a poor quality year? Any tips would be appreciated...

 

[Technique]

No, I don't plan on tracking the car, just weekend driving...

So 97-99 all have forged pistons? I guess you recommend 99 because it's the newest that still has the forged pistons...

What about milage? Does it matter much with vipers?

 

[Technique]

Thanks for the reply rock-star... I'll probably look at getting a 98 or 99 with like 20-40k miles on it... I actually prefer a car that has a few more miles on it than one that has just sat for years without being driven much...

Are any of those items you mentioned big-ticket items? (clutch, brakes, etc...) Should I be looking for an extended dodge warranty?

My buddy has a 2000 rt/10 and I think he gets his tires for pretty cheap, pilot sports if I remember correctly...

 

[Technique]

99 has 18 inch wheels and power mirrors.

So 98 and below has 17 inch wheels all around? That seems kinda small... I assumed all vipers had 18s....

 

[Technique]

99 has 18 inch wheels and power mirrors.

So 98 and below has 17 inch wheels all around?

Correct. Many of the race prepped Vipers ran 18 front and 17 rear for the added sidewall.

wow... I never knew that... Hmmmm, I mean, for looks, 18 all around seem to be the way to go... Is there much performance difference with the 1998 and 1999? (17 vs 18)?

I think the 17s would look tiny on the viper...

 

[Technique]

So how much should I expect to pay for a 1999 with 20k-30k miles on it? I am currently in the Washington DC area but I'll fly out to pick up the car from anywhere on the east coast really, or even as far as texas if there's a "good place" to buy used vipers from...

 

[Technique]

So how much should I expect to pay for a 1999 with 20k-30k miles on it? I am currently in the Washington DC area but I'll fly out to pick up the car from anywhere on the east coast really, or even as far as texas if there's a "good place" to buy used vipers from...

Anyone??