[getbit]

I've been wanting another Viper since I sold my last '01 GTS. I've been looking at '99 GTS/ACRs and 1996/1997 Blue/White GTSs. I've owned a '99 GTS before but never the 96/97 GTS. Is there anything to be aware of or beware of on these, especially the 1996 cars?

 

[Super Squirrel]

getbit....LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.

I've sung this song before.

 

[getbit]

nobody will help me...maybe I will reread your thread. Don't need help deciding color or $$negotiating...just looking for info on the early blue/white cars.

 

[Smokin]

Early cars have more recall issues. You might want to make sure that BOTH recalls 999 and 998 were done correctly. 1996 and 1997 cars also have the smooth dash and the covers over the foglamps. They dont have adjustable side mirrors. The stock headers are worse and the cooling fan should be upgraded to the 99 and newer fan.

 

[getbit]

that is the stuff I am looking for...anyone else??

 

[Toby]

on 96's The side mirrors are adjustable...but not powered. Make sure recalls are done, Watch for side sill corrosion, no pass side air bag turn off switch, and yes...update the cooling system if needed. Look for complete service histories.

Good points...

Blue and whites rule and get TONS of attention.
Lopey cam
Wonderful resale on super clean examples
They are considered "Indy 500 Pace cars" (kinda cool)
96 is the only year where the stripes go through the license plate area.

can't think of anything else right now.

Good luck!

 

[getbit]

much better, I wish I was looking when you were selling, Toby.

 

[Super Squirrel]

getbit.


http://www.viperalley.com/viperinfo/features.php

 

[getbit]

nice, thanks Makaha.

 

[John Myrick]

My favorite color combination is the dark blue sapphire with silver stripes. Those are really awesome with shiney HRE's. That's got to be one of the best color combinations out there. Couple that with few performance modifications, say heads, cam, NOS, etc... Now that would be a fine automobile. There were a couple of guys that used to come to the Houston Viper Club events that had cars like these. Haven't seen them in a while. I heard they both sold them. Too bad, they were really nice looking cars. They were definitely keepers. I don't think I could ever sell a car like that.

 

[Minivan Man]

96's have bad wheels--okay for daily driving but not tracking.
96's have a different road feel--less comfy--than the 2000+
96's need an updated oilpan.
96's can have the back glass suck out unless you modify the vents in the tail light area.
Have a friendlier OBDM.
Have a more aggressive cam.

 

[getbit]

Just because you have two Vipers now...really fast ones...don't get all cocky, John. When is it my turn to ride in the SuperSRT-10?

 

[John Myrick]

Seriously... yours, Trey's, and Prashant's were some of the best looking Vipers in my opinion.

Didn't see anyone mention it, but the older cars usually have problems with the weatherstripping at the top back of the door windows and the replacement pieces are very expensive. Another issue is corrosion of the finish on the gas cap. They are also missing the rear hatch release - you have to use the key to open the hatch. And vacuum leaks causing high idle due to bad intake manifold gaskets.

One thing to remember is that the older cars don't have ABS and therefore easily flat spot the tires.

Sure you still want to get an older one?

 

[Super Squirrel]

John,
he has the "blues" like me.

 

[weeztones]

My favorite color combination is the dark blue sapphire with silver stripes. Those are really awesome with shiney HRE's. That's got to be one of the best color combinations out there. Couple that with few performance modifications, say heads, cam, NOS, etc... Now that would be a fine automobile. There were a couple of guys that used to come to the Houston Viper Club events that had cars like these. Haven't seen them in a while. I heard they both sold them. Too bad, they were really nice looking cars. They were definitely keepers. I don't think I could ever sell a car like that.

LOL :rofl:

All kidding aside though, you are speaking the truth my man. Those two cars were definitely some of the best looking vipers IMO. I too have had the pleasure of watching one go down the 1320 and actually got to ride in the other one.

Good luck on your next viper Jason. You too Trey.

 

[getbit]

I can't get a third sapphire/silver can I???

 

[John Hennessey]

If you want to eventually upgrade and want to keep costs down, then the clear choice is 99. its the last year of forged pistons which are good for over 900 rw hp in my experience. you get the 18 in. wheel, more attractive door handles on the inside, ie they dont fall off and you can get black which is a wicked color for a powerful car. you also get the rear hatch release i think. the only downside to a 99 is no abs.

Would not touch a 2000 - no forged pistons and no abs.

The 2001's seem to be going for decent prices. abs is a huge plus. you can make plenty of power on the cast pistons if tuned right. and you can always upgrade your bottom end for more extreme power.

Surprise everybody and get something different. Solid black 99 with chrome wheels, lowered, can you say MEAN. Add another 300-500 hp and you got you a car!

 

[John Hennessey]

Did somebody mention Prashant? Did he get kidnapped and taken back to the old country to become some sort of endentured servant? Or did he become the Dallas chapter president for the EBA - Escalade Brotherhood of America?

 

[Minivan Man]

Damn, I'm slow-witted. I missed John Myrick's joke entirely.

Someone should explain to Prashant that an Escalade is only amateur pimping.

 

[getbit]

I need this in a '99 model with the factory rims chromed. /images/graemlins/headbang.gif