what year viper was the best built

FinalEd357

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I had read the 2002 GTS was the best in the Viper's buyer guide. Based on the motor, I believe 98 was the last year of forged internals, but I could be mistaken... good question.
 

ViperBite

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1999 was the last year of the forged internals. So if you are talking SERIOUS motor mods go with 99 or older.

You question is vague, what does best built mean? I would say all were built well. As with any car, as the years progress they continue to improve. I don't think any particular year had a bad batch of motors other than very early years which had head gasket issues.
 

hemibeep

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The best built by far is the one you buy.......can't go wrong with any year!

If you see the factory pistons and their weight, there are plenty of upgrades that are much better.
 
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KC

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I dont think the newer 2000 and on can take a large amount of nitrous like the forged pistons can.
I was just told that? I'm not sure if its true?
I favor the 1997 lol I wounder why?
 

Lee00blacksilverGTS

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I dont think the newer 2000 and on can take a large amount of nitrous like the forged pistons can.
I was just told that? I'm not sure if its true?
I favor the 1997 lol I wounder why?

Depends on you defintition of "large." lol. I wounder why you would post that if you were not sure it was true.
 

Kiaser

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I'd say 99, but forge pistons aren't a real big advantage because of one major reason... If you are planning on SERIOUS boost, you're gonna be doing some bottom end work on the engine anyhow and will have the budget to change to forged internals anyway. I'm not talking 6lbs, as cast should be able to hold that, but anything over usually equals bottom end work and more money.
 

Jack B

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Kaiser:

there are far more stock bottem end (boosted) cars running around than those that have been modified.

Just an observation.
 

rcdice

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Best years are 1994, 95, 2001, 02. Only years that Y-E-L-L-O-W was offered from the factory. Everyone knows that yellow cars are a little faster. But, more importantly, they are much sexier.

Seriously though:

GTS 96-99 = forged pistons and lumpy cam, no ABS

RT/10 98-99 = forged pistons and lumpy cam, no ABS, 96 is GEN I motor, 97 is hard to find and smoothie hood

GTS/RT 10 01-02 = final evolution of the original cars, ABS + a few other improvements, smoother cam and cast pistons, AND yellow was an option. :D
 

Anaconda

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Are you talking what year is the best STOCK Viper built? If so, obviously the answer is 2006.
 

Jeff-00-ACR

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It has been widely accepted by professional tuners and car collectors that the year with the best performance and most appreciated value is the 2000.
 

orlandov10

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1999 is the best

first year of the black

forged motor

most aggressive cam (1998 + 1999 only)

Power mirrors, brushed aluminum accented handles and e brake, textured dash, 18" wheels... all for 1999 and you get the forged pistons and the good cam!
 

VENOMAHOLIC

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I categorize them as 1) the best from the factory without mods is the 2000 and 2) the best for mods 1999. Hopefully the Gen 4 Viper engine will be the best of all. IMO it will need forged rods, pistons, etc especially since each generation has had a price increase.
 

NOTV8

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It's the GTS red with white stripe 2002 Final Edition :2tu: :headbang: :D
 

Gerald Levin

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1999 is the best
first year of the black
forged motor
most aggressive cam (1998 + 1999 only)
Power mirrors, brushed aluminum accented handles and e brake, textured dash, 18" wheels... all for 1999 and you get the forged pistons and the good cam!

I thought the 96 (and 97?) had a more aggressive cam than the 98/99?
 

PDCjonny

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My '98 has a very lumpy cam, people who hear it idling think it can't be stock the way it rumbles. The whole car shakes. I love that rough sound.
 

Chuck 98 RT/10

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My '98 has a very lumpy cam, people who hear it idling think it can't be stock the way it rumbles. The whole car shakes. I love that rough sound.

Same here. My 98 is noticably lumpier than my 97. Possibly a bit faster too.
 

Toby

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I have owned a 96 GTS, an 01 ACR and 99 GTS.

I like the 99 the best as it has everything I want in a Viper...well except a TT and that will happen someday soon. :laugh:
 

Anaconda

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I'll say this...the 2000 is the best VALUE out there, in my opinion. When I was shopping around, the deals were on the 2000's. Crappier pistons and no ABS keeps the prices down. I snatched mine up cheap. As far as whether it is the best all-around Gen 1/2 car, that's debatable. I would NOT choose the 2000 for that. I would either go 1999 or 2001/2002.

But then again, like I said, I still think the 2006 is the best.
 

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