Considering buying a '96 GTS...

[getbit]

Considering buying a \'96 GTS...

I've been wanting another Viper since I sold my last '01 GTS. I've been looking at '99 GTS/ACRs and 1996/1997 Blue/White GTSs. I've owned a '99 GTS before but never the 96/97 GTS. Is there anything to be aware of or beware of on these, especially the 1996 cars?

 

[BadVenm]

Re: Considering buying a \'96 GTS...

The price is the only problem that I am aware of. I just bought one and you will spend the same amount of money as what you can buy a 2000 or 2001 for! Otherwise great cars.

Oh yea...A lot of the 96/97 Blue and Whites had side sill issues. The paint blistered in dime sized spots. I think, not sure, that there might have been a recall and many owners were given a new set of side sills.

Good luck and enjoy if you get one! They were only made for two years and they are still the best looking GTS, period.

 

[getbit]

Re: Considering buying a \'96 GTS...

Thanks. Anyone know of "drivability" problems or other mechanical issue to be wary of with the '96 cars? I know the interior is different than '99 but what else?

 

[ViperJoe]

Re: Considering buying a \'96 GTS...

There were a lot of "little" issues that there were TSB's on the first GTS's weren't there?

 

[Ron]

Re: Considering buying a \'96 GTS...

There are issues with every year and I would think any reasonable owner would have performed all of the TSB's by now mitigating any year specific issue.

A search will help a lot here but quickly, side window weatherstripping is an issue on the early GENII's (not just 1996) and is easily repaired if it hasn't gotten too bad, though expensive otherwise, frame recall (all GENII through 1999 and no expense regardless of mileage) timing chain gasket oil leak on some (not me), rear main seal on some (me). Cast wheels on 1996 and early 1997 are not track suitable, but forged versions can be found as take off's. If you can find one with a warranty, there is no issue other than finding a good Viper Tech.

Besides being the popular color combo, the early ones are arguably the most powerful, with mine as an example dyno'ng at 435 RWHP SAE corrected with nothing more than K&N and smooth tubes. Surprisingly, greater than a few SRT/10's I've seen.

 

[getbit]

Re: Considering buying a \'96 GTS...

thanks, Ron.

 

[Kurt 97 GTS]

Re: Considering buying a \'96 GTS...

Jason,

Glad to see you looking for another Viper! Ron is right on and I may add that the 96 GTS did have some issues with rattling windows. My brother had a 96 GTS with this problem. However, my 97 GTS has been free from this issue.

Additionally, I believe the weeping oil pan is a known issue on the early GTS's and most likely already replaced by most. I had mind done under a TSB.

Hope this helps and please feel free to call or e-mail me if I can help ya in any way.....Kurt

 

[Brad Manhattan Beach]

Re: Considering buying a \'96 GTS...

Jason:

The 96's have cast wheels, whereas the 97's were forged. I never had any window rattling problems in my '96 GTS. The only issue that I have had is sagging door hinges that needed to be replaced.

Both '96 and '97 cars have Gen 1 airbags with no shut-off switches. I upgraded my dashboard to add the shut-off switch (because I have small kids riding in my car all of the time).

Welcome back to the dark side Jason!