I think I'm gonna do it

[malcoll]

I have been struggling with the decision... keep my Gen 1 or buy a Gen 2 and sell the Gen 1. Back and forth, Back and forth. Now the time has come. I drive my Gen 1 every day... and I love the car, but the lack of roll up windows is driving me CRAZY now.

So... between a 1997, 1998 and 1999 RT/10... which year is the best? I keep hearing about the 1999, because of forged internals.. but don't the 1998 and 1997 have forged internals as well? I want a silver RT, black interior. No mods, or mods.. either way.. I'll probably change over some of the mods from my 1996 RT to a Gen 2.

I really don't want ABS..... so I don't want to go newer than 1999..... I'd like to hear thoughts of those with the 1997, 1998 and 1999.

Thank you in advance,
Lance

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

I like 98. I like the upgraded alarm. I like the high polished 17-inch wheels. Good luck.

 

[klamathpro]

99'. But don't buy it because I will need more choices in a few years when I buy mine.

 

[big-n-italian]

<< but don't the 1998 and 1997 have forged internals as well? >>

yes.

 

[dave6666]

I really don't want ABS..... so I don't want to go newer than 1999.....

Gen 2 ABS is '01 and '02 only. You can expand your list to include '00 now.

 

[99 R/T 10]

1997 RT's are the rarest (117 total, 53 B/W 64 Red). Interior is pretty basic. If you're going to use it as a DD, I would go with a 99. They all have forged internals starting from 92 thru 99, but the 99's got the 18" wheels, upgraded interiors, electric rear view mirrors. I think they made 548 RT's in 99. Just depends on what you want Lance.

 

[Boxer12]

Gen 2 ABS is '01 and '02 only. You can expand your list to include '00 now.

He's right!

 

[99 R/T 10]

Check PM's Lance.

 

[malcoll]

The wheels don't matter as I'll keep my CCWs for the next Viper...... I am not a huge fan of the silver bezels on the gauges of the 1999.... other than power mirrors and the silver bezels... what makes the 1999 better?

Got the PM thank you!

 

[slaughterj]

Gen 2 ABS is '01 and '02 only. You can expand your list to include '00 now.

But 00 doesn't have forged internals.

Get a 98 or 99. 97 is okay. In 98, the alarm reset button was added and halfway through, an upgraded fan. In 99, the rims went from 17" to 18" and the side mirrors are power I think. A few other changes as well.

 

[Mccarlin]

Definitely the 99.
Since you want silver, silver was only available in 98 and 99. The 1999 models include 18" wheels, power mirrors, adjustable pedals, and a few other things i always forget

 

[pocketAA]

99 but I am biased......here is a pic of mine all shinny!!!

Can't beat the looks of a 99 - 02 viper with the 18" wheels!!!

 

[PDCjonny]

Can't beat the looks of a 99 - 02 viper with the 18" wheels!!!

Oh yes you can..

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Andrew/USPWR]

Are you not considering coupes?

 

[jdoc7]

I would get a Gen III if you can swing it.

 

[01ACR/VIPER]

Insurance loves cars with antilock brakes.at least state farm did on mine.the rates would have gone up quite a bit if it was non abs.

and,it`s got to ba a GTS!!!

 

[propsail]

Wow. That red and black is sharp

~Craig

 

[malcoll]

I would get a Gen III if you can swing it.

I am focused on an RT..... the GTS is nice, but I just don't like the rear on the GTS.... I like the low, wide, mean look of the RT. The Gen III is just not for me... no offense to anyone who owns one... but the other day I saw one coming towards me and at first (from a distance) I thought it was a Honda S2000.... seriously.

The only reason I am looking to replace my 1996 RT is the lack of roll up windows. If I could put in roll up windows I'd keep it forever!!

 

[DodgeViper01]

I am focused on an RT..... the GTS is nice, but I just don't like the rear on the GTS.... I like the low, wide, mean look of the RT. The Gen III is just not for me... no offense to anyone who owns one... but the other day I saw one coming towards me and at first (from a distance) I thought it was a Honda S2000.... seriously.

The only reason I am looking to replace my 1996 RT is the lack of roll up windows. If I could put in roll up windows I'd keep it forever!!

I never really liked the rear end of the GTS unless it had a wing to hide it. The RT is a good choice, plus you can take the top off all the time. Silver is a good choice, good luck with the search.

As for the GEN III, I have made the same mistake quite often as well as been told nice Viper to my S2000 a few times. I just laugh because the S2000 has the looks for 1/3 the price. haha!