Few questions from a Viper newbie.

[Alley]

I am going to be in the market for a used RT/10 problably early next year I hope. As soon as I sell my Trans Am. I think I'm going to look into something around the year 2000. Did they change the engine size somewhere in the 90's? And are there any other major differneces from 92-02?

Is there anything I need to be aware of when scopeing out possible Vipers for sale? Like flaws?

Also, how do these drive? I don't have alot of experience in driving sticks in sports cars. Alot of trucks mostly. I know I'll get use to the timeing with practice, but am just wondering in general how the clutch reacts and any other driving aspects I should be aware of.

Thanks for any help you guys can give me.

 

[Marv S]

Engine size didn't change until 2003. check out these articles:

http://ivr.viperclub.org/features.php

http://www.viperclub.org/articles/buyviper

http://www.viperclub.org/menus/index_ivr.htm

 

[BADVENOM]

Wow, theres alot of info you're looking for..

92-95..400 hp
96...415
Same engines just minor exhaust changes

After that power options came in such as power windows etc.. go into viper registry on the top of this page and scroll down to specifications and such and you'll get basics on a viper..BIG difference in driving one as opposed to what you described as your previous trcuks and cars..Big power and torque..be careful and repsect the car or you'll total it in the first week

good luck

Adam

 

[Alley]

Thanks for those links. That helps when I decide what year I want. I'm no stranger to fast cars. My Trans Am is just a automatic. I got it for drag racing only. Running 11.20's with it. So a auto is best for launching. Thats why I was just wondering how the viper feels from a manual standpoint.

 

[Vic]

Maybe you should stick with your trans am, since it has an auto, which, as you say, is better for launching.

just funnin with ya, k?

 

[Alley]

Well, I havn't launched any manuals. But I cut 1.5 60's all day long with my T/A. I would think that would be pretty hard for a average manual. But like I said, I don't really know much about launching a viper. Anyway, I'm looking for something a little more fun anyway and am not into heavy drag racing as much anymore.

 

[bwhitmore]

Alley,

I have had the opportunity to own several muscle cars in the last few years. Like you, I started with an F-body. I had several, but the most notable was my 1998 WS6 Formula, which I bought new and modded quite a bit, purchasing one of the very first NOS 5177 dry kits for my car. I owned that throughout my college years, and when I graduated in 2001 I sold it to purchase a new Z06, which I subsequently also modded quite a bit. HRE's, nitrous, exhaust, suspension, pretty much every bolt on that was available. I sold it last spring to purchase the Viper.

Most notably, the Corvette was a huge leap over the Firebird. It was a much better engineered vehicle, the fit and finish was far above that of the WS6, the cornering ability, even the horsepower was more incredible. The Firebird was a lot more raw, more shakes and rattles, the exhaust was louder, and could be made louder, more like a 60's muscle car than fine engineered european or even a Corvette.

When I purchased the Viper, it was like jumping back into the Firebird, more shakes, more rattles, more raw again. But it had more of the power like the vette (on nitrous). If the Corvette was a fine sports car, agile and superb, the Viper is a street legal race car, raw and powerful.

As far as the years go, I picked a '99, first year for a lot of nice aesthetic touches, 18" wheels, guage bezels and more, but last year for the forged pistons. So if I do ever want to go and mod the thing like my previous rides, I can do so without looking back...

 

[ViperJoe]

If you CAN, drive one before you buy one.

Here is a list of things to look for:

Used Viper Questions:

General:
1.Year? IT MATTERS
2. Price?
3. Mileage? (Verified?) Dealer can scan the PCM to verify
4. Clean title?
5. VIN #?
6. Existing lien?
7. In service date?
8. DC dealer should run the VIN for warranty issues, etc

Equipment:
1. Stock/original, minor modifications (K&N filters, smooth tubes), or more?
2. Exterior and Interior Color? (stripes, painted / vinyl)
3. Nature of CD player (single in-dash, trunk player, etc.)?
4. Soft-top, hardtop (factory aftermarket), or both?
5. Bag for soft-top?
6. Bikini top and bag
7. Tonneau cover?
8. Car cover?
9. Existing Factory warranty / extended warranty (or additional coverage provided)?

Condition:
1. General Condition (any nicks, chips, scratches, window cracks, etc.?)
2. Involved in an accident, damaged, repainted, etc.?
3. Condition under front bumper / spoiler?
4. Condition of top(s)? (Soft-top sagging? Exterior condition?)
5. How maintained? (One owner? How long have you had it?)Records?
6. Leather condition? (Split/cracked/worn?)
7. Tires condition? Brand/Size (Reasonable tread?)
8. Carpet / Floor mats condition?
9. Smoker / non-smoker?
10. Nitrous used / Super or turbocharged
11. Used for track events (strip, track, and autocross)?
12. Condition of the rocker panels (top and underside)
13. Condition of inside the door rocker area
14. Scrapes under front bumper / spoiler?
15. Bottomed out?
16. 998 / 999 recall work done (if applicable)
17. Head Gaskets - GEN1

Buying from a dealer?
1. Processing fees?
2. Taxes? (out of state?)
3. Transportation fees (buying from out of state)


Differences between GenI and GenII: there are two other big ones (besides the exhaust) that stand out:

1. The engine
The majority of reference to “GenI and GenII” refers to engine changes, as there are several differences between the two engines, not the least of which is horsepower. GenI was rated at 400hp, later GenI (96) were rated at 415, and the GenII is rated at 450 (ACR & GT2 rated at 460 due to smooth tubes and filters).

2. The hood
The GenI cars have "smoothie" hoods with no NACA duct between the headlights and no vents above the wheel wells. The cars look different from the front with these changes.

3. Suspension
Changed to GenII suspension in 96. Both the GTS and RT have the same GenII components.

4. Exhaust
Went to rear exit exhaust in 1996

5. Other changes
Power windows, airbags, steering wheel, method of opening the doors, differential housing, CD player, speedometer, wheels, all changed from GenI to GenII


Good Luck!

 

[Alley]

Thanks for the info. So a GenII is 97 and up? Thats a pretty good bump in HP as well.

 

[GTS Bruce]

01 and up have ABS brakes. Bruce

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

So a GenII is 97 and up?

Well not exactly. All GTS are Gen II. 96 RT/10 is a hybrid of sorts.

Whatever one you get you will like.