Difference btwn 96 and 97 GTS

[unclejim]

What are the mechanical differences between 96 and 97 GTS?

I have read the pistons and cam profile was changed in 98? Anyone have info. I am trying to narrow down the year of GTS to purchase.

thanks for the help

James
------------
'92 Viper #53

 

[snowmann]

I was looking at the same thing a while back. As far as 96 and 97 GTS the only two thing I remember is the 96 has a better transmission (JonB can elaborate I think) and the 97 has better rims (I believe).

 

[Marv S]

97 had poor intake manifold gaskets. they will leak but should have already been replaced with good ones through a TSB.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

96 rims are welded and not recommended for tracking.
97 rims are higher polish.
I haven't read about any piston changes and I don't think there was a cam change between 96 and 97.

IMO there are no deal breakers between these two years. If you are going to track it you most likely will get Purner wheels anyway and if you don't track it, you can get the stock rims polished to the shine of 98.

 

[Mark Red GTS Cooper]

96 has a different water inlet to the heater core, it comes off the back of the head as compared to the 97 where it comes off the thermostat housing.

Mark

 

[Ron]

Anyone know why they switched the heater core feed location?

 

[vipernate]

The stripes on the 96 also go through the rear bumper where the license plate area is, where the 97's do nothave any stripe there.

 

[Edward 96GTS]

96 stripes are slightly wider.
LATE 97 rims have higher polish and are stronger.
96 Stronger trans?

 

[Kurt 97 GTS]

My brother had a 96 GTS for awhile and had issues with a window glass rattle. Seems like I read about this being an issue with the 96's. Don't have any problem with the windows in my 97 GTS.

97 GTS has a know issue of a weeping oil pan (replaced mine under warranty). Hope this helps!

 

[C O D Y]

I've never heard of the transmission being any different. The factory fill did changed later on to help solve NGR.

 

[Venom 1000TT]

96's are faster!!