What to look for in 97 GTS?

[twilightcall]

I am going to look at a 97 GTS. I had a 94 RT/10 and it was a great car but I wanted a hardtop so I sold it a little while back.

From what I have read these are some of the issues:

Timing cover gasket (it was a problem in 97 right?)
Rocker arms
Intake gasket leak
Power steering pump
B pillar gaskets

Are there anymore things to look out for? Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Martin]

If the car had the frame recall done, definitely check to see that it was done right. I've seen some that looked like a ******** monkey with a rivet gun went crazy...

If you have a good Viper shop nearby, and you're serious about the car, it would be a good investment to pay them to do a once over. A lot of the things you're looking for in your list can't really be checked without really digging deep, so a Viper shop would be able to tell you what might be suspect. These cars are pretty bulletproof, but things can be wrong with them if they've been beaten on or not driven enough.

Some random things that come to mind:
- Check the shifting to see that everthing engages normally and stays there. It's pretty easy to bend the shift forks on these cars.
- Look for bubbled-up pain on the side sills toward the front. The original side sills always corroded, and if the owner didn't replace them under warranty, you're looking at thousands of dollars to fix...
- Try to get records on how often the owner changed fluids.
- If the car has very low miles, check the rear of the engine/bellhousing for oil leaks. The seal can go bad and leak a bit.
- see if the AC still blows cold or not. There is a seal that always goes out...

Good Luck!!

 

[twilightcall]

Thanks for the info.

 

[twilightcall]

Was the waterpump impeller an issue for 97s?

 

[plumcrazy]

no, not on 97's

 

[sdaddy]

Red ones are cheaper than blue ones with white stripes for good reason. Basic supply and demand.