Differences between 03 to 06 SRT10 convertibles?

[2000_Black_RT10]

I'm leaning towards a convertible for a trade-in deal, especially after I sat in one today.. working on a reasonable deal for a 04 black mamba, and maybe an 05 that's not too bad either. I wanted a coupe originally, but for the amount of sun we usually get (not enough) and the zero track events I participate in, the vert would be ideal.

Regarding the motor, chassis, interior trim, seats, trans, diff, etc.. are there many differences between an 03 to 06?

If there's an existing Post of this type of info, feel free to shoot me the link not to waste your time!
Thank you for any help,
Mike

 

[mjorgensen Woodhouse]

No real differences accept the fancy red/black interior on the Mamba that I like. I would choose the one you like to look at the most.

 

[2000_Black_RT10]

Thanks, I actually do favor the mamba.

 

[rtigert]

No real differences accept the fancy red/black interior on the Mamba that I like. I would choose the one you like to look at the most.

Where there not any transmission / rearend updates on the '06 -vs- prior? I though that I read that on here somewhere?

 

[mjorgensen Woodhouse]

Updates 06' to 08' but nothing significant before maybe just a hardened piece here and there in the diff.

Where there not any transmission / rearend updates on the '06 -vs- prior? I though that I read that on here somewhere?

 

[Guy]

This post specifically was the most useful for me, and the reason I bought an '05:

http://forums.viperclub.org/2388801-post9.html

Generally, you can't go wrong by buying a "later" car, except in cases where factories get into financial trouble and start putting in cheaper parts..

The full thread on the topic:
http://forums.viperclub.org/srt10-srt10-coupe-discussions/601835-srt-10-differences-year.html

 

[mike & juli]

Hey, Mike, as you know we had the '05...and loved it. Was a vert, tho we'd prefer a coupe honestly.
But, I hear ya on your reasons for wanting a convertible. So you are looking now into trading in your RT for the later-year Viper? I wish you the BEST of luck and that you get what you want.
Do you have any Vipers in mind to buy up there in Toronto? Keep us posted, my friend!!! ~juli
**We know of a local fella who has a really beefed-up '04 Black Mamba, full roll-bars and heaven knows what else...it's a TRUE BRUTE and gorgeous at that, unfortunately I don't believe he's on these forums for you to ask about the Mamba**(Dan/Dutch if you ARE out there?? Fill us in!)

 

[alpine7822]

I have a Mamba and I love the color contrast of the interior! No real difference other than that. The badging is different too (silver "Viper" on the side with red "SRT-10"), plus the Fangs logo on the front is red, not color matched to the car. Gives it a different look. Everyone that sees the Mamba loves the interior as it really pops (plus the red "Viper" on the seats is a nice touch).

If you're looking for mechanical differences, there aren't really any to speak of (at least none that would make a difference).

 

[Andrew/USPWR]

I believe they made the seats a little wider in 05.

 

[adg44]

This post specifically was the most useful for me, and the reason I bought an '05:

http://forums.viperclub.org/2388801-post9.html

Generally, you can't go wrong by buying a "later" car, except in cases where factories get into financial trouble and start putting in cheaper parts..

The full thread on the topic:
http://forums.viperclub.org/srt10-srt10-coupe-discussions/601835-srt-10-differences-year.html

That was a good read, thanks for the link. Interesting to see that the 03's had forged connecting rods and the 04+s don't.

How much is a tonneau cover? When the top is down it looks like it's not missing anything though.

Also, do the 03's have adjustable pedals?

 

[MikeR]

Id go with a 05 and up. 2003's had alot of recalls and most didnt have the red calipers, which I like. It seems 2004's had more tranny issues. Supposedly 05 and up has hardened parts.
Anyways, with values so low, Id get the newest model year possible. Unless theres a special color which was only produced in a certain year, that you just have to have, go with the 06

 

[adg44]

I think there were two recalls for 2003? Besides, the recalls have already been done, so taking an 03 for $20,000 less than an 05 seems like a good idea to me!

 

[2000_Black_RT10]

Thanks Guy and everyone, wormdoggy sure posted some good info in that link too. Felt like I just gained 5 lbs being spoon fed SRT10 info.

I'd like to go shopping in the US.. but I'm trying to trade it in because tax up here is 14%, whereas the trade-in value provides tax credit. I think the dealers are going to low ball me, see how it goes Saturday.. it's a bit tougher to sell a Viper up here, having less people, shorter summers, etc.. plus I'm too impatient for a private deal..

I envy your 08 coupe Juli! Unfortunately my piggy bank is malnourished and has been having the runs lately.. I do like convertibles, there's nothing like having the top down on a sunny day out in the countryside, I can see the Toronto skyline on the horizon, and that's about as close as I want to get..

 

[Nader]

But I think the problem with 05-06 is there was some new detonation programming that actually slowed the car a drop. Correct me if I am wrong...

Id go with a 05 and up. 2003's had alot of recalls and most didnt have the red calipers, which I like. It seems 2004's had more tranny issues. Supposedly 05 and up has hardened parts.
Anyways, with values so low, Id get the newest model year possible. Unless theres a special color which was only produced in a certain year, that you just have to have, go with the 06

 

[mjorgensen Woodhouse]

This is true there were changes made in the programming to protect the cats from overheating. The engine senses the cat temps and when they are high enough it will add fuel in large quantities to help cool them down resulting in a power loss. This is small on the N/A Viper and very apparent when S/C'ed.

But I think the problem with 05-06 is there was some new detonation programming that actually slowed the car a drop. Correct me if I am wrong...

 

[MikeR]

But I think the problem with 05-06 is there was some new detonation programming that actually slowed the car a drop. Correct me if I am wrong...

They have knock sensors. Which I think helps make it safer and keeps ya out of trouble. Im sure they have helped my engine go 20k hard miles. 7k of which have had a blower.

With that said, my 2005 vs ILLSMOQ's 2004 have always been neck to neck with similar mods. So I wouldnt really worry about loss of power from a 05-06 year.

 

[Newport Viper]

This is true there were changes made in the programming to protect the cats from overheating. The engine senses the cat temps and when they are high enough it will add fuel in large quantities to help cool them down resulting in a power loss. This is small on the N/A Viper and very apparent when S/C'ed.

Damn, I knew the 03 & 04's where faster!

Although, this is maybe why I had a cat melt down at 24,000.

 

[2000_Black_RT10]

Damn, I knew the 03 & 04's where faster!

Although, this is maybe why I had a cat melt down at 24,000.

Meltdown!! ***!!

Just kidding.. first thing I would do is remove the cats.. meow!

Mike

 

[Newport Viper]

Meltdown!! ***!!

Just kidding.. first thing I would do is remove the cats.. meow!

Mike

Told ya the 03 and 04's make more power. Now I know why.

 

[2000_Black_RT10]

Told ya the 03 and 04's make more power. Now I know why.

Glad that this was clarified! Big thanks to you for taking the time to send me a PM.

 

[mbccenter]

I just happen to have a White Mamba with a Paxton you could trade your car in on

 

[2000_Black_RT10]

I just happen to have a White Mamba with a Paxton you could trade your car in on

Lets discuss offline via ***.. Lee will kill this reply once he spots it. (you know I'm kidding Lee..)

 

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

Lets discuss offline via ***.. Lee will kill this reply once he spots it. (you know I'm kidding Lee..)

Nah, can't drum up any coin from two VCA guys, his ad would be free so it's only a formality. We need ad revenue to survive from non VCA dues paying guys but two VCA guys who strike up a deal can yak all day long as far as I'm concerned, that's what this site should be about. I like the VCA guys to place an ad as it's free for them (It actually works for them) and it helps the non vca guys to not be confused when they see cars for sale in the forums that ought to be in the classifeds. Saves us from the "What about Jonny? He has a thread about a car for sale, how come you're not all over him" stuff

 

[2000_Black_RT10]

You're quick, just don't kill my posts giving away free parts or it's all over..

 

[InjectTheVenom]

Unfortunately my piggy bank is malnourished and has been having the runs lately.. I do like convertibles, there's nothing like having the top down on a sunny day out in the countryside

I know the feeling ...