what year viper was the best built

PDCjonny

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The '98's also introduced the lighter stainless headers I believe as well (24 lbs lighter).
 

RB185AFM

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No one told you guys. It is a 2000 GTS in Steel Grey with custom black stripes, CCW 505A rims, Moton Suspension, Stop Tech Big Brake Kit, and all kinds of engine goodies from DC Performance making 580 RWHP all NA. At least thats what I think.
 

Randy

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1999 is the best
first year of the black
forged motor
most aggressive cam (1998 + 1999 only)
Power mirrors, brushed aluminum accented handles and e brake, textured dash, 18" wheels... all for 1999 and you get the forged pistons and the good cam!

These newbies... First year for the black was actually 1992 (1 was made), and there were more black Vipers made in 1995 than any other color. As far as the power, the 2000 and later have higher stock hp numbers, so who cares if its forged or whatever unless you plan on doing only mild modifications (major modifications will swap out most forged components anyway).

As other have said, the best year model is the year of the Viper(s) sitting in your garage or driveway...
 

PDCjonny

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As far as the power, the 2000 and later have higher stock hp numbers, so who cares if its forged or whatever unless you plan on doing only mild modifications (major modifications will swap out most forged components anyway).

Ummm......they do? Is there some concrete proof of that somewhere?
 

orlandov10

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1999 is the best
first year of the black
forged motor
most aggressive cam (1998 + 1999 only)
Power mirrors, brushed aluminum accented handles and e brake, textured dash, 18" wheels... all for 1999 and you get the forged pistons and the good cam!

These newbies... First year for the black was actually 1992 (1 was made), and there were more black Vipers made in 1995 than any other color. As far as the power, the 2000 and later have higher stock hp numbers, so who cares if its forged or whatever unless you plan on doing only mild modifications (major modifications will swap out most forged components anyway).

As other have said, the best year model is the year of the Viper(s) sitting in your garage or driveway...

I didn't think a GEN I would get mention in this thread, we are talking about the best year GTS's here. 99 is the first year of the Gen II in black, last year of the forged motor, best cam, and best amount of other options one could get with the forged motor.

I did quite a bit of research before selecting my Viper, I have read all of the arguments but the bottome line is whenever a dyno event takes place involving Vipers the 96-99's always dyno higher than the crampuffs.
 

Randy

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I didn't think a GEN I would get mention in this thread, we are talking about the best year GTS's here. 99 is the first year of the Gen II in black, last year of the forged motor, best cam, and best amount of other options one could get with the forged motor.

I did quite a bit of research before selecting my Viper, I have read all of the arguments but the bottome line is whenever a dyno event takes place involving Vipers the 96-99's always dyno higher than the crampuffs.

You might want to re-do your research, then. First hint: "GTS" is the model designation given to the hardtop ("coupe") Vipers. This thread is not necessarily only about the coupes. You might want to attend more dyno events, also... :cool:
 

orlandov10

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I didn't think a GEN I would get mention in this thread, we are talking about the best year GTS's here. 99 is the first year of the Gen II in black, last year of the forged motor, best cam, and best amount of other options one could get with the forged motor.

I did quite a bit of research before selecting my Viper, I have read all of the arguments but the bottome line is whenever a dyno event takes place involving Vipers the 96-99's always dyno higher than the crampuffs.

You might want to re-do your research, then. First hint: "GTS" is the model designation given to the hardtop ("coupe") Vipers. This thread is not necessarily only about the coupes. You might want to attend more dyno events, also... :cool:

I meant to write: "I didn't think a GEN I would get mention in this thread, we are talking about the best year Vipers here."

Even if the 2000 did make more power than the 99 model which I don't think is the case. (my 99 dyno'd stock at 430RWHP!) But lets just say a 2000 makes a few more HP over a 99, your getting that power at the expense of your pistons, the lighter weight cast pistons will help make more power but your screwed if you want to add a power adder, and I think now that cars like the new high HP Mustang and Z06 are coming out many Viper owners will look to up the power on their cars. There are plenty of guys making 850+RWHP and 1000+RWTQ reliable on a 96-99 GTS, I did my research and talked to Viper owners/tuners about what car to look for, my goal was to make 800+RWHP and 900RWTQ with a Roe blower and nitrous without opening up the motor, I want to do it on stock roller rockers, stock head, stock block,etc. I just hooked up the nitrous and propane today and hope to meet that goal in the next week or two when Sean can squeeze me in. You can't do what I'm doing on any other Viper with a stock motor other than the 96-99's.

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Randy

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(....yadda, yadda....)
You can't do what I'm doing on any other Viper with a stock motor other than the 96-99's.
Different criteria for what makes a particular Viper best, obviously - as I don't plan to do any of that to mine, none of that matters... :cool:

I know people running more horsepower than that on a 2001, with stock internals, for that matter. I'm happy you have your opinion based on a "lot of research" - However, I respectfully disagree, and your presumption that someone wants to modify the car only applies to few. As I already said, the best year is the one in your garage/driveway.
 

LETHAL GTS

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what year viper was the best built
I have heard 1996 to 1998??? I'm talking motor

This was the original question gentleman.
Just thought I'd try to put this thread back on track.
:D
 

Gizmo5

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Re: what year viper was the best built

2000 GTS for NA. Stock long block made 461/472 on a mustang dyno and I just let it breathe.

Also, no ABS which I like. I hate nanny stuff, let me drive my own car
 

bluesrt

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Re: what year viper was the best built

2010 is clearly,possibly the best all around viper made(mixed in a punchbowl)
 

VIPER GTSR 91

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Re: what year viper was the best built

Best built/reliable? The 99 thru 2002 esp. the 02 final edition with exception to the poor quality interior prior to the Gen 3. Best built interior, Gen V by far. The Gen 2 was bullet proof.
 

Caesar!

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Re: what year viper was the best built

96-99 Best years forged motors and with the 708 cam nice and raunchy at idle and best sounding. I wouldn't hesitate grabbing one once checked and modifications limitless in the horizons if need be.
 

brentsGTS

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Re: what year viper was the best built

Kinda surprised no one said 2013! I read an article that quoted dodge saying they built the motor to handle boost!
 

Caesar!

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Re: what year viper was the best built

The 96 97 &98 99Had same lift and overlap. 541" 542" and 66 degree overlap..the 2000 to 2002 had a 60 degree overlap. The cam grinds on the 96 & 97 were the best I hear.
 

CajunMojo

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Re: what year viper was the best built

Kinda surprised no one said 2013! I read an article that quoted dodge saying they built the motor to handle boost!

Possibly because the thread started in 2005 ;-)
 

Bugman Jeff

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Re: what year viper was the best built

Ahh! Zombie! Kill it! Kill it!

Also, '97. Forged motor, forged wheels, and available in blue/white.
 

PDCjonny

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Re: what year viper was the best built

Dumb thread then, dumb thread now.
 

Bobpantax

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Re: what year viper was the best built

To me, the question asks about parts and engine assembly and fit and finish. Based on that assumption, I would say 2014 is the best year. BTW, I just saw a 2014 gumetal grey with black stripes/ black interiror SRT variant with the aero kit and many other options. Absolutely incredible looking car. The fit and finish were near perfect.
 

7TH_SIGN

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Re: what year viper was the best built

All depends what you are going to do with the car. If your going to drop the motor, do a full build in upgrades, then I would say 2002.

If you want to make the most power without opening the motor, I would say 99.
 

agentf1

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Re: what year viper was the best built

2001 / 2002 IMHO. Had anti lock brakes and came in some of the best colors (Sapphire and Graphite)
 

slysnake

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Re: what year viper was the best built

Dumb thread then, dumb thread now.
Thank you!! This thread is making me rethink my position on the "mods shouldn't close threads" debate. :rolaugh:
 
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