Differences between 96/97

[Bluvenm97]

Hey guys,

I did a search, but didn't really find anything. Sorry if this is an old topic, but might be good to go over again for new people..

I'm looking for a nice B/W GTS, and I guess these are the only years I can find them. My question is, what are the differences between the model years. I've heard many ads mention improvements made from 96 to 97 year model, but no specifics. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Jon

 

[Steve-Indy]

Start here...from a Nov.2004 thread:

http://vca2.viperclub.org/forums/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Board=UBB14&Number=468276&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&vc=1

 

[pdmracing]

the 97's are faster, especially the blue ones;-)

 

[M. ROD]

The 1997 GTS was mostly a continuation of production for the recently introduced 1996 GTS coupe. To fill the backlog of orders, Dodge continued building the blue with white stripes paint scheme for another year, with a few minor changes. To make it easier for the factory to paint, the white stripes are slightly narrower on the 1997 car (8 inches wide instead of 8 -¼ inches), resulting in a wider blue space between the stripes (4 -7/16 inches versus 4 inches). Also, the easiest way to tell a 1997 B/W GTS from a 1996 is to look at the rear license plate area. On the 1996 cars, the stripes run through the license plate indent. On the 1997 cars, the stripes skip past the indent.

The cast-aluminum five-spoke wheels were replaced with forged wheels. The forged wheels are shinier, because the surface is less porous. And the Dana 44 rear end was replaced with a Dana Super 44, which had thicker bolts.

Hope that helps,

Mike


Some pics:
White/blue GTS

Aftermarket wheels

1996 GTS with aftermarket wheels

1997 GTS(notice the stripes)

 

[Bluvenm97]

Thanks for the response everyone! That B/W Viper is amazing looking!

 

[treed]

In the picture of the '96 with after market wheels above, taken from the back, who makes those wheels??

 

[Inferno]

In the picture of the '96 with after market wheels above, taken from the back, who makes those wheels??

They look like ccw 505's.

 

[tim721]

In the picture of the '96 with after market wheels above, taken from the back, who makes those wheels??

That's Gary Javo's viper..those are 20" HRE 847r's - it's for sale too

http://www.garyjavo.com/