Headgasket info. / questions.....Please

[PittsburghRT]

Hello,

I have a few questions concerning headgaskets. I have numerous Viper books and I searched the site (maybe not as good as I think I did) on this topic. This info. is holding me back .... The cost of doing it or getting done and more than anything the hassle scares me. I really have my mind set on a GEN1 RT/10, but the GTS another option.

What years did the cars come from the factory with this resolved? Was it all GEN.2 cars (1997-2002)?

Can I have a dealer run a check in their computer with the vin to tell me? If it is possible I know the work would have to been done by the dealer.

I went to look at a 2001 GTS with motivation to buy it. I am really looking for an RT/10 GEN.1, but think the GTS might be a better choice (less problems, more practical). Anyway, when I got there it was already sold. This was my fault because I dragged my feet. I didn't think it would sell that quickly (Another dealer ended up buying it).

****Any info. on a nice GEN.1 with low miles and gasket work done e-mail me at [email protected]

Thanks in advance

 

[tarfungo]

PittsburghRT, Want an RT/10? Do your home work before buying, have the snake checked by a qualified tech then just go out and buy the RT/10 you want.

If the head gasket has been replaced, great! If not, start saving your pennies for the day when it MIGHT fail! My RT/10 has 17k miles and my gaskets are fine. I have spoken to other Gen I snake owners with even more miles without problems either. Unless, I’ve missed something, it is NOT guaranteed that Gen I head gaskets will fail. Just possible. Then again, any part can fail!! My .02.

 

[Simms]

PittsburghRT,

Call Chuck Tator, 914-763-3136. He can answer all your head gasket questions (including the high $ replacement cost for GEN1's) and he can also run the VIN for you and give the complete history of the car. There is a reason they call him the Wizard, knows everything.

 

[ROCKET62]

PittsburghRT,

I'm in the process of changing the head gaskets right now so if you want to talk to someone let me know. Mine were not leaking at 17k miles, but I'm thinking about adding a ROE SC so I figured why not - as it's a fun winter project. Total cost for the upper gasket set and valve seals is about $800 - TATOR IS THE MAN to buy these from. Install cost for someone to do it for you $1-3K. If you're a gearhead and mechanically inclined - it's a relatively straight forward procedure - not easy - but not brain surgery.

Debate over if/when the head gaskets will fail is all over. There's a number of Vipers out there with higher mileage that have never had a problem, and garage queens with low mileage that have needed them replaced with less than 10k miles on them - almost seems that the garage queens need them replaced earlier.

The replacement of the gaskets will only show up on the VIN history from a dealer if it was done under warranty. You can see the gaskets from below to see which set is installed - and there is a huge difference in the design between the original and the new multilayered gasket.

Here is a pic of the problem area:

For me it was an easy decision - I always dreamed of owing the Original Viper with Side Exhaust and it had to be <font color="red"> ******* - GO GEN 1! </font>

Good Luck!

 

[MadMaxx]

HG replacement is *easy* on a viper. Hell, any engine that you can get right too w/o anything in the way is OK in my book

Start with checking your current head bolt torque to make sure it's within spec.

I would contact cometic for a replacment HG. You will find them far cheaper than what dodge quotes you, and these things stand up to massive turbo use on other cars. They can custom make anythng you need as well.

Replacement is very strait forward. This is just a 360 small block w/ 2 more cylinders. Oldschool architecture and pushrods have their advantages sometimes You and a friend could do it in a weekend easily with an assortment of hand tools and a good torque wrench.

 

[IEATVETS]

If you are buying from a dealer they should offer you a warranty, mine did. Take it if they do. Worth every penny even if nothing ever fails. My gaskets haven't failed yet but if they do, I have it covered by my warranty.

 

[jimster]

I've spoken to a number of 94~96 Gen I owners who have never had any problems with their headgaskets. So it may not be as big of an issue as it would appear just by reading posts here and elsewhere. It's just that here, you're going to find more people voicing their concerns and problems. It's certainly not a issue that should dissuade you from buying a car.

BTW....I was in the same situation as you, wanting a Viper, but concerned about the same issues. After doing some research, I decided to bite the bullet and buy a low mileage car. It's been a blessing.

One thing to remember is the Gen I cars are what made the Viper what it is. Not the GTS, not the SRT. The Gen I, as unrefined as it is, is the best bang for the buck for supercars. It's in the same league as P cars, F cars, L cars, and other high performance auto's. When I get a chance to drive it, I get more comments about my '94 RT/10 than I do my Porsches.

Now, I can't imagine not having a Gen I. I'd sell all my other cars just to keep my old RT.

 

[PittsburghRT]

Thanks for the info. guys. I think i'll go for a GEN1 and just hope I don't have a problem. But, then again I could buy any car and have a problem. I'll take your advice and call Chuck when I think I find the right car to have him check the history and look into a warranty if I buy from a dealer. I like all Vipers, so who knows what I will end up buying. I have been looking for months and I seem take forever to find the right car. I've always been this way and end up with the right car for me. Thanks again guys you all own beautiful cars and I can't wait to become a member as an "owner".