GTS or RT/10... it's so hard to pick!

[MadMaxx]

GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

Ok, i'm nearing V-day it seems... getting closer to owning my first snake!

However, I was discussing plans for some garage modifications with my fiancee when the issue of GTS or RT/10 came up. She wants an RT/10 and I wanted to go for a GTS coupe. However, i'm starting to think about an RT/10 because we have some truely beautiful days down here in SC near the end of august... might want to be out in the air a bit and cruise. So, RT owners, speak up! Likes and dislikes... I'm mainly concerned about security (no locks?) and top configurations. Were'nt the early RT's plagued with engine problems?

as for the GTS, nothing short of a LeMans car captures the spirit of a race car like that car!

James

 

[Kurt 97 GTS]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

(Were'nt the early RT's plagued with engine problems?)

James,

Don't know where you got this info from but my 94 RT has not been "plagued" with any problems. I'm sure that other can chime in here, but I have found the car to be very reliable. Sure the Gen I's have some issues, but it is a great car.

My major complaints are with the hardtop/softtop configuration (a pain to put on and off -- I just leave them off most of the time!!) Also, the tops do leak, but since I don't really drive in the rain this is not that big of a deal to me.

Locked or unlocked, I have never had a problem. Again, others may have different experiences to share.

My bottom line for purchasing the RT was this; If you want the hardtop on you CAN and if you want to go ******* you CAN!! Simply can't do that with the GTS. Either way, you will be one happy guy. Let me know if I can help.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

RT/10 was my first Viper. I got the GTS later. No complaints with either.

RT/10 has a slight leak with the hardtop. Big leaks with the soft. I don't care! 27K miles and still going strong.

 

[Steve 00RT/10]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

We like the looks of the RT/10 better. We also like having the option of 2 different tops or no top. Our back window stays out for the summer(enhances the Belanger sound even more). Neither of our tops leak so far. We generally leave the soft top assembled in the garage. It'about a 30 second job to put on and off if assembled. Assembling the soft top takes about 5 minutes from 'in the bag' to on the car.

Steve

 

[GaryA]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

I haven't had any problems with my RT/10's roof leaking and I have driven in some really nasty storms. It's extremely easy to take off and put on--but is much easier with two people. The nice part is that you do have a choice!

My RT/10 seems to get a lot more attention when parked side-by-side with GTSs (could be the Venom 650 sticker on the side!).

The great part is, you can't go wrong with either decision. If I had my choice, I would have one of each. My goal is to have a "race-purpose" GTS to go along with my RT/10.

 

[MadMaxx]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

I thought Gen1 vipers had ring problems, head gaskets and valve issues. Am I mistaken?

Now, after the "real window" conversion is done, can locks be added to the doors?

At first I was turned off by an RT because I heard it leaked.. but then I got to thinking.. It will probably never see rain anyway and it will live in a garage so who cares!

Also, can the side pipes be removed in favor of rear-exit exhaust?

 

[ruckdr]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

MadMaxx,
RT/10, the best of both worlds. Some will say that the hard top is difficult to put on, and it may be for some. I put mine on yesterday in preparation for a track event. It took me and my wife about 15 min. Loosen 4 bolts that hold on the sport bar, lift it off (bolt holes slotted), remove bolts(by hand), carry top around car and drop(carefully) it on, secure the front two twist latches, screw in the back two bolts - ALL DONE . The soft top, never been on the car, still in the bag. There is nothing like a real convertable on nice days.
Be sure to get the cockpit cover for use when car is parked, that covers the windshield, cockpit, and is waterproof. Get this from JonB at PartsRack. ($89.00; Ph. 1-877-475-1100)
Am looking forward to your announcement; 'I GOT IT'.
Enjoy !!!

 

[MadMaxx]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

I guess it all boils down to what I feel when I see them in person. I want to take a look at some, but of course dealers don't exactly throw the keys at you

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

Hmmmm, I work at a Dealership and the logical answer seems to be, " Why not buy both?!" Okay, not much help, but ya gotta ask, ha!

I think the prevailing answer usually is, " Just get one or the other, you'll never regret it.

 

[MadMaxx]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

I wish I could afford 2 of em!

I've had a hard enough time saving enough cash to buy a used RT/10 outright... I've got 2 old mopars here just begging for some financial attention

James

 

[Ulysses]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

Rick Martino wrote:
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Yea, but in the rest of the country they have the phrase (New England is for turkeys)
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

[MadMaxx]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

I think I'll end up with an RT. My fiencee started asking "... does it handle well?" then came "...so...we could take it up in the moutains?"

She about hit the floor when I said she could drive it if'/when I get one. Maybe it will take some attention away from her wanting a 56 t-bird... harder to come by than an RT it seems

 

[Ken Larsen]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

I had to have a rt/10. As for the top leakage.. Ive never had mine on excpet for washing it! My Rt is for only nice weather driving, it doesnt need to see snow or rain.

 

[ACR Joe]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

Wow, I'm surprized at the weigh-in here; wildly in favor of the RT-10. For my money, the GTS/ACR is the only way to go. I prefer the styling and comfort the GTS affords. If you plan on tracking the car, the ACR is an attractive option. Maybe if I had a full head of hair .....

 

[viperdrummer]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

This topic always reminds me of my dilemma when I go to my neighborhood Ruth's Chris Steakhouse--do I get the filet or the New York Strip? Like the Viper models, neither is a bad pick.I recently gave up my beloved RT for a GTS. Had 40k miles on the RT and never any real issue on the locks or tops. I will miss the ******* aspect, but given the occasional crap I put up with at lights from the teen rice burner crowd, I do enjoy the relative anonymity of the GTS. But, bottom line, if wife would have allowed it , I'd have both. GOOD LUCK.

 

[Joseph Houss]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

TMB,

The TRUE answer to your question is take the ride and get a REAL steak at Peter Lugers!

#1 Zagats

I've always said, everyone thinks that a steak is a steak is a steak ....

until they've gone to Lugers!

 

[MadMaxx]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

Well, I think an RT is up my alley for right now. I'd like to cruise around w/ the top off sometime.

I'm actualy partial to the Gen1's looks, but am affraid of getting into one that has a lot of underlying problems. I was thinking somewhere along the lines of a 95 RT/10? Of course, I could always upgrade to a GTS down the road

Thanks for everyones replies BTW, they have been both informative and entertaining

James

 

[ruckdr]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

MadMaxx,
I'm not trying to sell any Viper to you, but go to the Classified Ads here. There are several great sounding RT/10's there; including what I would consider one of choice: A 1996 White/Blue RT/10 with 800 (yes hundred) miles on it. Read details.
Good Hunting,
Good Vipering.

 

[MadMaxx]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

That green one is beautiful! I never knew they came in that color!

 

[BigsViper]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

Best Steak? L.G.'s in Palm Springs CA.(also one in Palm Desert) Dry aged beef, looks green before they trim it and cook it but you can cut the NY Strip with a fork.

 

[Newport Viper]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

Lots of miles and going strong. (daily driver) No engine problems. Had it for years in Orlando, covered it with Noah cover during the day. (Rain,sun) Roof leaked like hell! Just went to Home Depot bought weather stripping, plugged the leaks, $10.00 good to go! When in Newport I like Fleming's.

 

[C O D Y]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

Why do all the RT owners feel the need to validate their decision?

The two cars look completely different to me (both look great), however it just comes down to personal taste. I love the rear deck lid on the GTS and the side pipes are great on the early RT/10's. The **** curves feel complete with the rear deck on the GTS, so that was the one of the factors for me.

When I think of the different type of vipers, I think of three types....

Gen I RT/10's
Gen II GTS's
Gen II RT/10's

Good luck and you will be very please with whatever your decision.

 

[viperdrummer]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

Joe: Don't make me start a "best steak" thread!!!!! Luger's is great, but I can walk to RC's. Maxx---get the RT, get a hard top, V-Mania windows and have the time of your life............

 

[Joseph Houss]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

Rick,

Anytime you're ready .... how 'bout a steakhouse rally? Lunch at Lugers.... dinner at your "better" chop shop?

Now THIS is a real challenge.

By the way, I don't live in Brooklyn, just work there ... but I think I've seen a few Porterhouse grazing out in the parking lot!

 

[MadMaxx]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

On a Gen1 RT/10, say a 94 or 95, whats a good price to pay? What specifics should I look for in the inspection?

Oh, and nothing beats a good porterhouse on a summers night...Mmmmm..

 

[Gerald]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

Get in touch w/ JonB, I think he said earlier this week there was a 1995 GenI , low miles, excellent for 37,000.

I personally would not pay more than 40k for a GenI regardless of how nice it was. I would offer 35k for anything you find and be firm, hitting 37k or 39k only if you really wanted the car.
If your paying premium, make sure it has A/C, Softtop, etc.
Keep in mind that you might have to buy a hardtop (another 2-3k), buy extended warranty if it's still available (1.5k), and any other upgrades that you feel warranted.
REmember, there are GenII 96's GTS's out there for 47k to 49k w/ a decent amount of miles to low miles...!!

Stay away from the 45k GenI's, WAY over priced..
Good luck in your search and let us know what you find!

Gerald

 

[MadMaxx]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

I figued 37 was about right, but wasn't sure since I see some up in the mid 40s!?

I'll keep looking at watching prices. I should be ready to buy fairly soon... preparing the garage (security) and making sure everything is in place for a smooth transaction.

Thanks for everyones help on this!

James

 

[MadMaxx]

Re: GTS or RT/10... it\'s so hard to pick!

I may actualy finance part of it now. I started thinking that if I use all the cash i've got saved for the initial investment, that will leave me hurting for cash for mods and quick maintanence right off the bat. I'll need the cash to get a hardtop, and new clutch (I know it will go out quick...). A good McLeod clutch or something isn't cheap

I'm just playing with money aragements now to figure out the best plan of attack.

James