Cooling System Issues on pre '98

[Anthony - 98 GTS]

Re: Cooling System Issues on pre \'98

Tony,

No reason to rule out the '96-'97 models. The only cooling change is the upgraded fan in late in the '98 year model. New upgraded fan is only $125-175.00.

Check out a recent post by Vipermad on the install which is fairly easy.

 

[Bill 96 GTS]

Re: Cooling System Issues on pre \'98

It's not so much bad cooling but rather an improved cooling fan on later models. I gladly gave up the better fan for the better cam plus the best color combo ever produced. (also to be one of the most collectable Vipers in the not too distant future.)

Better get one while you can!!!!!

 

[Vip-RT10]

Re: Cooling System Issues on pre \'98

No issue to be had, just changing he fan and burping the sytem. Ask Gerald to change your fan, he can do it with a plier....

 

[Ron]

Re: Cooling System Issues on pre \'98

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">It's all about color.....

And ABS on 2001 and above.</FONT f>

 

[John H]

Re: Cooling System Issues on pre \'98

Tony, the year of the milder cam is '00, not '99. Same output stock, with the milder cam not responding as well to exhaust mods. I know what you mean about the variance. There is a '97 who posts here with headers, exhaust, no cats, and smooth tubes/K&Ns only dynoing 430ish. I would be disappointed. My purchase debate is ABS vs better cam. You can always change the cam to one that's even more aggressive than a '97, not sure you can add the ABS. The steering linkage failure on pre '01s is interesting as well.

John H

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by TT6SPD95:

The only other thing that I have heard is that the '96-'98 GTS's respond much better to headers because of the cam differences between the '99 model. Does this mean that the '99 will output less hp than a '96-'98 model even if it has headers on it? I see all kinds of different hp numbers for the '96-'99 GTS's with the same mods, so I am not sure what to think about this.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

[King GTS]

Re: Cooling System Issues on pre \'98

I myself had MAJOR problems with my 97 GTS! Cooling problems! I'd run clear in the red and have to pull over all the time! I changed the fan, changed the radiator, added watter wetter, NOTHING helped! I got to the point where I couldn't even drive it during the summertime! It wasn't fun. Then again I had friends w/ the same car/same year & no problems.

 

[King GTS]

Re: Cooling System Issues on pre \'98

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by TT6SPD95:
Thats very wierd...you even changed out the fan and nothing helped? What city and state does the guy live in that you sold that one to? I will stay clear of that one!!! How many miles did it have on it?


<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I bought it from Hendrick Dodge in Cary, NC. Brand new. Go figure.
I couldn't even drive the car to work. I'd literally get out soaking wet because I had to drive w/ no A/C on. If I turned it on it would overheat.

I haven't had one problem with my 01! Not one! Even in over 100 degree weather in the summer time here.

 

[GTS Dean]

Re: Cooling System Issues on pre \'98

There was a change to the thermostat housing for '98 or '99 that included a bleed pipe of some sort off the top of the assembly. I haven't studied it enough to figure out what it's doing.

 

[Janni]

Re: Cooling System Issues on pre \'98

There really wasn't a widespread cooling issue on the earlier cars - like has been said here - the fan was improved in 99. Its a better design and flows more air. Recommended for cars that get tracked.

Both out 96's run just fine - although we have upgraded the fan and have Sean Roe's fan kit, but that's because they are track cars.

It is important that any car you look at, you check the coolant overflow bottle in the front fascia to make sure it has coolant in it, and that the surge tank is full. I have seen too many with low levels and you don't know how long they have run with less than adequate coolant. The Viper was designed to run a little warmer than most folks are used to, I think. Our cars are usually over to the right most of the three hash marks in the middle of the guage.

As has also been said here - its really a matter of color and ABS - they are all good cars. Good luck.

 

[GTS Dean]

Re: Cooling System Issues on pre \'98

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by TT6SPD95:
Does your Viper ever overheat...I see that it is a '96 GTS. Do you have the upgraded fans?

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It hasn't ever overheated and it has a good number (is that indefinite enough?) of track miles on the clock. Early on, I was quite concerned with summer track temps. A scammer from Houston (no, the *OTHER* one) offered to do a simple porting job on my thermostat free of charge. It passes noticeably more coolant than stock, but has difficulty maintaining temps over 160F on the highway in cold weather and the heater performance is marginal. In the summer at the track, 240 (indicated) is as high as I've ever seen since then, regardless of how many hard laps I run. I still have the stock radiator and fan assembly in the car. For time trials and hot lapping, it works just fine for me.

 

[King GTS]

Re: Cooling System Issues on pre \'98

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by TT6SPD95:
Trey,
What did your '97 dyno stock, and what did your '01 dyno stock? How about with smooth tubes and filters?

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I never dyno'd my 97. Just took it straight to hennessey for the mods. I did dyno my 01 and I had @ 390 to the tires. I did not however dyno the car w/ just smooth tubes & filters. I just got the whole TNT Package & dyno'd it afterwards.