Advice needed - fix or sell as is?

[AustinTX]

I need some advice. I have a 1995 viper which I have owned since late 2003. For the first several years I drove the car regularly. At some point, the paper head gasket leak presented itself and I bought replacement MLS gaskets and since I had the engine apart I added a couple other upgrades. Well, life happens and the car sat in the garage on a lift for several years. I recently finished getting it back together with fresh fluids battery etc. Miraculously, no issue with the alarm system, but the car doesn’t want to start. At the same time I’m in the process of moving cross country and won’t have space for the car at the new house. So, here’s where I would appreciate your advice. Should I have the car flat bedded to a shop and have them diagnose and repair (and if so do you have any recommendations of shops) - but the reality is that I would sell the car after getting it fixed or should I just try and find someone who wants a project?

 

[Bonkers]

Six one way, half dozen the other.

"Not running" you will take a MASSIVE hit up front, no
question. Nobody pays full price for a car without knowing
if the engine needs replacement, or if it even drives. Even
as a running project, youre looking at $10k+ higher asking
price.

The flip side is that you could take it to a shop and discover
that it needs a new motor or some other insanely expensive
repair which means you just spent a couple of grand to
find out youre losing $10k+ more...

To me, the bigger issue would be what you want to happen to
the car? Selling as a cheap project to the wrong person would
guarantee it being parted out or becoming a 4x4 Youtube
project. If you want the best for the car, youll need to fix it and
hope the damage isnt enough to offset the sale price. If you
dont give a shit about it, just post it with a high asking price,
take the first offer that appeals to you, and let it go.

Either way, im sorry for your loss...

 

[capevettes]

Fix it, then sell it. Not many who want to buy a non running Viper and have to guess what it will take to fix it. You would be giving it away in a non running condition.

 

[TexasViper35]

Fix it for sure! This could just be a relay or some other small issue, like a fuse. Many of the relays are the same so you can swap them around.

Check for fuel and spark and if you can’t go any further flatbed it to a specialist that you trust.

 

[Goggles Pizano]

PM me how much, pictures, mileage etc.

 

[Steve-Indy]

Sorry for your starting issue, especially considering upcoming move.

If you have the time, you might further define/expound upon the statement:
"but the car doesn’t want to start."

Either way, best of luck to you !!

 

[pacethis]

I'd go in between the common advice here. Have it taken to a shop for a diagnosis. If it needs major repair, sell as is and disclose the shop's findings. If it's something minor, have it fixed and you'll get much better price. It shouldn't cost a fortune for someone to find the no-start issue...

 

[TEALLIFE]

fix and sell as everyone has said. you'll take a bigger hit on sale price than the cost of the repair

 

[AustinTX]

Thanks for your replies. I’m starting to think that the issue may be within the fuel system (filter, pump, lines, injectors) since the car sat for an extended period of time. The fuel gauge reads empty even after adding 4 gallons of fuel. I did order a tester to verify spark is not the problem. I also don’t hear the whine of the pump when the ignition is turned on. I will upload a video if I can figure out how.

 

[Steve-Indy]

I would check for fuel pump voltage at relay, then jump relay sockets pins to see if relay bad...before I went too far. Have you tried to locate fuel pump fuse...and, tried new fuse?

 

[TEALLIFE]

Thanks for your replies. I’m starting to think that the issue may be within the fuel system (filter, pump, lines, injectors) since the car sat for an extended period of time. The fuel gauge reads empty even after adding 4 gallons of fuel. I did order a tester to verify spark is not the problem. I also don’t hear the whine of the pump when the ignition is turned on. I will upload a video if I can figure out how.

Mine reads empty with 4-5 gals left. Thats normal/common

 

[99RT10GTS]

Would you take $17K as is?

 

[daveg]

If you think its fuel, put a Fuel Pressure tester on the Rail. If you don't have one, cycle the key a few times and push in on the Shrader valve (with a rag over it) to see if there is pressure / fuel in the rail.
Your just about there, don't give up on the car!!!

 

[Goggles Pizano]

Would you take $17K as is?

You too late. See post #5.

 

[99RT10GTS]

You too late. See post #5.

Oh, sorry. $17,500.............

 

[Tom and Vipers]

Depends on what your time is worth.

Do you have a price in mind as is? If you do, put it on eBay and see what happens. You might find someone who wants a Viper who can do their own work, that doesn't have enough money to buy a proper one. It used to be on eBay there was no obligation to sell to the winning bidder, at that point both parties enter into negotiation. (maybe that has changed?)

You might even find someone that wants to do big mods to a car and doesn't want to cobble up a nice one.

 

[Badsnek]

I need some advice. I have a 1995 viper which I have owned since late 2003. For the first several years I drove the car regularly. At some point, the paper head gasket leak presented itself and I bought replacement MLS gaskets and since I had the engine apart I added a couple other upgrades. Well, life happens and the car sat in the garage on a lift for several years. I recently finished getting it back together with fresh fluids battery etc. Miraculously, no issue with the alarm system, but the car doesn’t want to start. At the same time I’m in the process of moving cross country and won’t have space for the car at the new house. So, here’s where I would appreciate your advice. Should I have the car flat bedded to a shop and have them diagnose and repair (and if so do you have any recommendations of shops) - but the reality is that I would sell the car after getting it fixed or should I just try and find someone who wants a project?

I’m someone who buys cheap projects and gets them back on the road. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and I am OCD. I don’t hack shit up or part it out. Currently have 5 Vipers and can send you pictures.

Back to your original question, it’s a coin toss. You’ll likely spend a bunch of money figuring out what’s wrong. Could be something simple, could be something major. I agree with post #7. But just remember with the economy right now these aren’t moving. You have to practically give them away for a quick sell. Most gen 1’s regardless of miles and condition, I have seen actually selling in the $30-$40k range recently. As a project you’re likely somewhere in the low 20’s to try and move it fast and truthfully you may even sit on it a bit for that.

Hope you get it sorted out!

 

[AustinTX]

Really appreciate the replies. I verified that I am getting spark when cranking the engine over - so that’s good news. I tried daveg’s recommendation of opening the Schrader valve and it was dry - no pressure/no fuel. So, I think I need to see if there is a fuse and check the fuel pump relay as Steve suggests. Luckily, I do have the service manual.

 

[daveg]

Keep at it, you'll be glad you did. No bug is buried too deep.

 

[AustinTX]

Thanks. I did take out the fuel pump relay and it tests bad. None of the local parts houses seem to have this relay available so i found a replacement at RockAuto and ordered one. Hopefull it’s. As simple as that - will let you know.

 

[daveg]

You can try jumping it. Do this ONLY as a test. If your uncomfortable doing this, wait!!!

 

[GTSnake]

Too bad your leaving. I just got into ATX.

 

[TexasViper35]

Thanks. I did take out the fuel pump relay and it tests bad. None of the local parts houses seem to have this relay available so i found a replacement at RockAuto and ordered one. Hopefull it’s. As simple as that - will let you know.

See post #4.

 

[Goggles Pizano]

See post #4.

No check post #5.