Differences between a Blue with White stripes 96GTS and 97GTS Viper

[Vanquish]

Guys,

I am the recent proud owner of a low milage 96 GTS Viper and wanted to know what was the major and/or minor differences between a 96 and 97. I know of the following:

A) White stripe that goes through the rear licence plate area on 96 not on 97
B) Cosmetic caps on the bottom of the A pillar by the front door seams. Missing on 96 but on 97.
C) I have heard that the 96 engine was underrated in the horse power area over the 97, but don't have any supporting facts, can someone support this.

Are there anymore? Your input is greatly appreciated.

Regards,
BR

 

[ceieio]

<FONT COLOR="Black">Welcome aboard! There are some resources on this site that can help you with differences between the various years and models of Vipers. Take a look at:
http://www.viperclub.org/menus/index_ivr_features.htm

Happy motoring!
</FONT c>

 

[Vanquish]

Thanks Ceieio,

I read that there were Blue interior accents added in 97. Can someone that has a 97 tell me what those Blue accents were.

Regards,
BR

 

[chrish]

If it's like my Red 97 RT10:

Blue Steering wheel
Blue Gearshift knob
Blue Parking Brake Handle

 

[Gavin]

BR
97 window glass and door uprights superior to 96
97 alarm system superior to 96
97 cooling fan larger and more efficient than 96
96 has rivited side sills that rust out and bubble the paint.
96 dip stick pukes oil - 97 dipstick and tube solves it
96 crossover tube between valve covers pukes oil - 97 rubber doesn't absorb Mobil 1 and is the replacement

All these items were replacable on the 96, with 97 parts

If your window glass does not rattle - has been replaced with 97
If the rubber on the top of the door upright is still intact, the uprights have been replaced
If only the lights flash when you disarm your alarm, that has been replaced
I don't have a quick answer on how to tell if the fan has been replaced - help
Side sills - if they are bolted on the top of the sill, righ behind the wheel, then they have been replaced.

Hope this helps

 

[genXgts]

Hey BR,

No interior accents on my 97, identical to 96!

Motor is the same as well, rumor of 97 being strong RWHP motors over 96 from what I have gleaned. Of course, I'm biased, for all intended purposes 96-98 are identical. If anything 98 should dyno over 96 and 97 as that is the first year with headers over manifolds which have dyno'ed increase of around 10hp. I bought a 2000 exhaust, and will dyno the car again after I put it on (high flow cats) in the coming months.

No mention of rims so far, 96 and early 97 are cast rims that are prone to cracking from heavy (hard) use. Running change in 97 model year (produced July96 to July97). My 300613 has forged rims being late in the 97 run.

Have fun, keep her between the lines!

 

[Gavin]

It is highly recommended that you not run the 96 rims with racing tires, on the track - street tires and stock rims are fine for street and track

 

[MadMaxx]

When did a coupe have blue interior pieces? I have never heard of this before, and I don't think it's true...

The ONLY car I know of to have blue interior pieces is my 96 white/blue RT/10. Only the white/blue RT's in 96 got the pieces.


MM

 

[Craig 201 MPH]

you guys forgot there are no stripes through the licence plate area and the stripes are slightly narrower on the 97's.

 

[Vanquish]

Gavin,

Do you think that I could get the rubber on the top of the door upright replaced under warranty and the dip stick plug replaced with the Added Care Plus plan?

Thanks,
BR

 

[Gavin]

Definately worth a try - really comes down to the dealer - try one, no result, try another.
Luck

 

[Kurt 97 GTS]

Also, on the 97, I believe that there is a TSB for the oil pan (very porous and therefore prone to leaking). I had mine replaced with the newer style pan without any problems!!