Re: How do you owners of 01\' ABS Vipers like the ABS? Any other changes for comment?
I took delivery of an 01 GTS in early December. Despite less than cooperative weather, I finally have managed to complete the 1000-mile break-in. My impressions of the '01 vs the '97:
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<LI>01 does not feel any stronger than my 97. (Both are stock, save for K&N's and smooth tubes). I realize that the 01 is barely broken in, and hope that as the engine loosens up, it will feel a little stronger.
<LI>01 engine is definitely smoother and quieter, especially at idle, although there is considerable injector/lifter noise, especially around 1500-2500 RPM. Again, I hope that this noise diminishes as the car accumulates more miles. The 97 had a lopier cam, which I thought was rather fitting for a vehicle with the Viper's performance. I haven't heard any NGR (neutral gear rattle) on the 01 yet, so that's at least one by-product of the smoother engine.
<LI>I have not yet had an opportunity to test out the ABS, so I can't comment on that. The 01's brakes squeal pretty badly, but I recall the early days of the 97 were not quiet ones either. I've got a set of WingKing's EBC pads on order and expect those to improve the squealing and brake dust issues, as well as providing better stopping power.
<LI>I've got no impression of the difference between the 17-inch Pilot MXX3's and the 18-inch Pilot Sports, either. The weather here in Northern Virginia was been cold, and that, coupled with taking it easy through the break-in period, has not afforded me the opportunity to test out the road-holding features of the Pilot Sports.
<LI>My 97 had a noticeable rear end gear whine from Day One. I have always been under the impression that some rears were quieter than others, so the noise was nothing abnormal. The 01 has no rear end whine.
<LI>01 hood has more rounded points at the outside of the headlights. (I think this change was made prior to 01.)
<LI>The power side mirrors and inside hatch release are definitely convenient.
<LI>Paint is perfect on the 01, as it was on the 97.
<LI>Headlights on the 01 seem to do a better job illuminating the road than the 97's did. The 01's driving lights are definitely more noticeable than the 97's from the driver's seat, although I suspect that the 01's driving lights might be a little misaimed.
<LI>I like the brushed aluminum look of the door handles and gauge trim rings. Not that the 97's pistol grip shifter knob was that great, but the 01 round shifter knob ***** and is way too tall. That's already been replaced with an MGW race knob, and perhaps a Ripper shifter is in my future.
<LI>Fit and finish of 01 was not improved over the 97. Hatch glass needed adjusted and the cowl was rubbing on the underside of the hood, creating an annoying squeak. Inside passenger door release doesn't work. I can't recall one problem with my 97 at delivery. (I was original owner of the 97.) None of these are major problems, and really wouldn't surface until the car was driven, so I guess I shouldn't be too ******* the QC craftspeople at Conner Avenue. But it's these kind of problems which cause reviewers to pan the Viper and Chrylser in general over build quality. (And please don't read this the wrong way -- I'm not whining about the car. I loved the 97 and I love the 01. The awesome performance outweighs little niggling problems.)
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All in all, I see no substantial difference between the 1997 and 2001 model years. Of course, I really didn't expect to find any. If I were asked by a prospective buyer of a used Gen II Viper which model year to choose, I would recommend -- assuming warranty and mileage were similar -- that he base his decision on color preference, since there's nothing else significant between model years. (Hey, I know some of you guys out there who are into engine modifications have strong feelings concerning cast versus forged pistons, but I don't want to go there.)
