1996 RT/10 - To buy or not to buy... that is the question

Hi Everyone,

I initially started out with intentions of getting a Gen1 Viper, but after doing a lot of reading, research, and checking them out in person, I had my heart set on a 96-97 GTS (Blue & White). The problem (for me at least ) is that I think a good one will be about $50K, maybe $45 if lucky, although it seems that the second hand Viper dealers are snapping these up and then jacking up the price to the low $50K range.

What made me really consider the Blue & White 96-97 GTS is the following:

*I believe the chassis/suspension is superior to the Gen I cars (or maybe much more refined is more accurate).
*As a Ford throwback who's loved Cobras (especially the ultra rare Cobra Daytonas), GT40s, and Shelbys since childhood, I see this as an 'affordable' Cobra.
*I like the fact that the engine has been re-engineered, is lighter, and is 450HP vs 400HP.
*Although I think the Gen I interior is fine, I do like the Gen II better.
*I believe these will be very collectible in 10-15 years.

Now I find myself with a delema, I do really like the 1996 white w/blue stripes RT/10. It has the Gen II chassis/suspension, and although a Gen I engine, they advertise it with slightly more HP due to the exhaust rework. In reviews of the day, they really gave it kudos for improved handling and better throttle response.

I found a beautiful local 1996 white w/blue stripes RT/10 that's cherry. It has 26000 miles, the interior and exterior are in excellent condition. It has a tonneau cover, soft top, hard top, side curtains and front bra. The recalls have been completed and the seller has all the documentation. He's only asking $32K for the vehicle, which is, IMHO, an excellent price.

My delema is whether to get this car now, and enjoy, or wait until spring to summer of 2006 (to save up) and get the GTS?

Any thoughts?

I also considered getting the RT/10 and continue to save up and sell it for a GTS when ready, but I think I'd have a hard time letting it go

While were on the topic, could someone do me a big favor and run the VIN?
The VIN is 1B3BR65E1TV100168.

Thanks a lot, any thoughts/comments are welcome,
Brian

Buy it now and keep saving. For that kind of $ you can't go wrong. (Assuming the car is straight).

I have a car fax account so i ran your vin# here ya go!
CARFAX Talking CarTM
The story of this 1996 DODGE VIPER RT-10 (1B3BR65E1TV100168) according to our interpretation of the information reported to CARFAX:
This convertible has had 2 owners and was owned in Kentucky and California. It was originally registered as a corporate fleet vehicle. It was owned by a company that manages its own fleet of vehicles. These vehicles are typically used by smaller companies like banks or firms for business purposes.
It has had no minor or moderate accidents reported to CARFAX.
It has had no DMV-reported total loss events, like a major accident, fire or flood.
It has not been reported by a DMV as having an Exceeds Mechanical Limits or Not Actual Mileage title.
It has a consistent mileage history with no indication of an odometer rollback. It was driven an average of 3,190 miles per year, which is lower than the industry average of 15,000. The last odometer reading, reported on 08/14/2004, was 25,857 miles.
It was not reported by a DMV as a Manufacturer Buyback (LEMON).
Its basic warranty has expired. You may want to discuss an extended warranty with your dealer.
Go to the Detailed Vehicle History for the complete history and a glossary of terms.

If you want the rest of the report e-mail me at [email protected] and i'll e-mail it to you. To me it sounds like a good deal, but i disliked the 96 because the windows are not mechanical IMO. Thats why i'm going with a 99' RT/10 lumpy cam and forged pistons, gonna bet BLOWN. Good luck in your search.

If you don't buy the car, I would like the info for it.

I'd also buy the RT now, save up and then decide next year about the 96 GTS. You won't lose a dime on that car buying it for $32K. A viper today (esp one that won't depreciate much in 12 mo at that price) is much more preferable then waiting to buy a viper next year.

What state do you live in? If it rains or ever gets cold you will want a car with "REAL" windows, and don't even get me started on the P.O.S. factory top.

I've had a gen-1 and a gen-2 and can only recommend the gen-2, don't forget all those gen-1 engines and their head
gasket problems.

Thanks everyone for the feedback, this is great. And a special thanks to mustangjay for the carfax.

The 96' was the only Gen I (well Gen 1.5 really) that I would consider, and I agree about the windows, although they are true in spirit to the original Cobras. I live in California, and probably wouldn't take a GTS out in foul weather, let alone an RT/10, so the windows aren't really a big issue, although roll-up ones would make me feel a lot more comfortable.

I too love the 96'-99' GTS cars, so hopefully this is a nice car to hold me over until one of those is in my garage

Although it's tempting to get the ROE supercharger, as it's a good blower engine (I think it's about .6 less compression then the Gen II heads, which is good for a supercharger). According to Sean Roes post, the supercharger wouldn't outflow a stock engine until you got up over 8PSI of boost. I think you could easily get the engine to 600HP with the supercharger, and a few bolt ons

Thanks,
Brian

Buy the 96 RT10

And save yourself 15k

forget about all the discrimination towards the GenI. I have yet to have a Gen II hand me my a$$. A few mods make them just as quick. The head gasket issue is minor. Unless you rely on warranties and the only tool you know how to use is a screwdriver Then it's an issue. They are not a engine design flaw as they are a factory gasket design issue. It takes the normal DIY mechanic 8-10 hrs to do and once done they last forever. The only drawback is that they are pricey gaskets (around $750-kit). I'm pushing 500hp (no power adders-all motor)at the rear wheels and spent around 5k (2k in exhaust alone). I might of done the roe charger back when I did my car but it wasn't available then.

The window thing well....you either love it or hate it. I think it's cool. More real roadster like. Then again I'm partial.

I think to get in a non-wrecked Viper at 32K is awesome, provided no additional work is needed! But have a pre-buy inspection done by someone that works on Vipers.

BUY IT AND ENJOY

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to thank everyone for the feedback. I went and viewed the 96 Viper, and it was in pristine condition (looked like brand new inside and out). Took it for a drive and it drove perfectly. I put a deposit down on it, and will be picking it up next weekend Now I just need to clean out my garage (one hell of a motivator!!).

Here's a pic of my new baby:

Beautiful car. If you bought that car for $32k, then you just made money. You can probably drive that for the next year and still sell it for more than you paid for it. Job well done.

Cal Cobra,
WELL DONE!
It quite possibly has had the head gaskets replaced; however it is easy to look at the gasket between the head and the block to see what's there. You will love the RT/10, the best of both worlds (hardtop, convertible).
Have fun and enjoy.
Later,

Well done. You got the best of all ´96 RT/10 models

@ruckdr: nice photos

Thanks everyone, I'm really enjoying the car so far.

Just removed the hard top last evening for a little roadster action now that the rain is gone. The previous owner stated that the car had never been in the rain, and after crawling under it from the back, I'm inclined to believe it's true, as it's pretty clean.

Don, are you saying I can determine if the head gaskets were replaced with a visual inspection (without ripping anything apart)?? If so, please do tell

After I master driving the car, I'm seriously considering a Roe S/C down the road

Cal

Cal,
Check the picture in the link below, or click on my photos to see the picture. You can see the head gasket between the head and the block; you will see it is made of fiber, cardboard, pressed paper, or whatever. If your was replaces, it SHOULD be of a metal type, if done with the latest available.

http://vca2.viperclub.org/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB14&Number=541021&Forum=UBB14&Words=&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=2weeks&Main=540870&Search=true#Post541021

That is a beautiful car. Really really classy. And the hood gap is perfect, unlike mine which ***** and ****** me off every time I see a perfect one..

Hmm.... I looked and looked, and couldn't get a good visual on the head gasket. The engine looks clean enough to eat off, but couldn't see the gasket. Don is your photo from underneath the car?

Also what happens when the gasket leaks/blows? I've had a few go on Ford engines (no fault of Fords, they were racing engines) and I'd get the lovely milk shake in the radiator scenario, and the car would start running like crap when it occured. Same deal on the Viper?

Now I'm a little worried about this head gasket issue.

Nice car CONGRATS, wow she's a beauty!!

Very nice car. You will have a great time with it. It you want some cheap horsepower get Nitrous! Have fun!

Have Dan Cragin check it out at DC Performance in LA. If it hasn't had the head gasket work done he'll do it right. Don't know what he'll charge but I once had a quote from another Viper tech of around $1700. Even if you pay for this it looks like you got a great deal on the car.

Congrats!
I was also in similar situation. I went with a 93 rt/10. There are things I like a lot about the GTS but my favorite Viper is the RT/10 with side pipes! I bought some hard windows that have sliding tinted glass to go with my hardtop. Since the car is black it looks great, very sporty. Just a few upgrades and you are even or surpassing the GTS in accleration. Plus the RT/10 looks better overall IMHO. Enjoy! I would never trade my RT/10 for any car. However, a GTS would look good next to it in the garage!!!

I have to ask, what is the $1700 for? I've rebuilt several engines in my youth (late 80's) and I cannot imagine a pair of decent head gaskets cost more then $100...plus you'd need valve cover and intake gaskets. Is this expense mostly labor?
It's pretty easy to swap head gaskets, at least on Ford V8's

Cal,
Yes the picture is from under the car; you can't miss that big tab of gasket.

Sweet looking car! Congrats!

I cannot imagine a pair of decent head gaskets cost more then $100

Click to expand...

Aren't head gaskets for vipers over $500 or am I thinking of something else?