Is buying a "Numbers Matching" GTS important ??

[JH23JOB]

Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

I've been offered a '96 GTS from a very reputable Viper shop, but it doesn't have the original engine in it. It's got a couple minor mods such as side exhaust, rear wing spoiler, smooth tubes and a couple other things including a very very expensive stereo system with DVD player. There's no body damage at all on it, and the paint is in excellent condition. Is something like that actually worth LESS than a stock one without the mods, and does the fact that the motor isn't original kill the value too, or doesn't it matter a whole lot. It's a '96 motor with ZERO miles on it that'll be in there for me if I decide to go for it. He told me to kick it around over the weekend, and let him know early next week either way. Oh, the price...........50k..... I really will appreciate, and value your input on this one !! Thanks !!!

 

[ViperGTS]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

>>>It's a '96 motor with ZERO miles on it<<<
96
97
98
99
00
01
02
--
6-7 years old engine...? I would stay away - you will never know what happened to the engine in 7 years, even with "ZERO" miles.

 

[Tiepilot]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

I would find another car, unless you REALLY like this car and can't live without it. I'm finicky when it comes that kind of money and a car that isn't whole. The price would have to be much lower for me to consider it.
I say wait out your Viper hunt and the right one for you will come about. Stereo's aren't worth anything when it comes to a car's value.
I don't care how much money somebody put in a stereo it dosen't make the car's worth go up one bit. If you put a $15,000 stereo in a $3000 car...the car is still worth $3000. The owner should be smart enough to know he's gonna take a $15,000 loss unless he removes it (smart thing to do).
So, do not place ANY value on the stereo, and modded Vipers are not very desirable to a large portion of the buying market (for future reference should you buy it and decide to sell it later).
IMHO

 

[Gerald]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

I think numbers matching on Vipers isn't near as important as Corvettes. For some odd reason, they've made it so important in Corvettes. Even daily driven older ones suffer greatly in value.
Strange.. Go Figure.. I haven't heard one time a buy concerned about numbers matching engine on a Viper..yet.. And I hope we don't to that ridiculous corvette mentality where we need one.


Gerald

 

[Craig 201 MPH]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

I think one day it will be very important. This is only 6 years after that Viper was made, it is very important with the corvette population now for older vettes. if it does'nt have numbers matching, any serious corvette collector or whatever will most likely walk away from the car, or low ball the price by alot. If they are buying a driver they are less likely to care.

I say look for another car, at least get a carfax on this one and get to know it's history.

 

[C O D Y]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

It will be an issue in the future for sure. But, right now it doesn't matter.

 

[Ron]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Numbers matching isn't just an issue for Corvettes. Any older car is worth more to a collector if it's numbers matching and a Viper will be no different. Years from now, there will be those that want to relive the opportunity to buy their dream car when it was new and a numbers matching car is closer to that ideal than one that's not. To me, the only partial exception would be if it was a documented Arrow replacement engine.

However it really doesn't matter if:

The deal you get is so good that you'll offset any later issue

Or

If you never plan on selling it

Or

If you plan on modifying it to such a degree that it doesn't matter

That said, you can get an unmolested GTS of that era within 5% of that price if you're patient, especially later in the summer.

I'd pass.</FONT f>

 

[garolittle]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

.... that'll be in there for me if I decide to go for it. ...

[/B][/QUOTE]

There is a reason this statement is true. Beware.

 

[dadsvpr]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

too much $. the numbers match will matter. there are plenty of vipers for sales now with solid paperwork and history in that price range.

jason

 

[MichaelP]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

What happened to the engine they took out?
Stay away I say.

 

[onerareviper]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

OK. Let say you have a 1999 GTS, and the motor was replaced in 2001. With a new crate motor. How would you know? Where are there numbers on a Viper engine? How can you identify the year of motor, or the VIN number? I don't think you can, unless the year is a 1996, where the headers were different. Am I wrong?

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

The lumpity lump would be gone as the newer cream puff engines run smoother.

 

[JH23JOB]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

OK guys, here's the deal........... The place that I'm looking at getting the GTS from is Archer Motorsports, and I would have to say that their solid reputation preceeds them. This GTS was used to promote all the mods and upgrades that they put on these cars. It has 14" disc brakes with the high end suspension components, along with bunches and bunches of other stuff on it as well. Anyhow, They're going to take off most of the stuff, and put all the stock stuff back on it. The motor was actually removed for a race car to use from what I understand, because at the time this guy needed one, they didn't have one ready to go other than this one. Anyhow, there might be a chance I could get the original block back with the numbers on it, so in the event that "numbers matching" is important to these, I could make it so. Needless to say, this car has been meticulously maintained to a tee, and I can't think of anyone I'd rather have messing with a Viper than these guys. Please don't get the impression that I'm set on buying it from them 'cause I still haven't made up my mind yet, and I'm still weighing my options. I understand where you're coming from so far with the comments, but I think with this added info you may have other opinions, or maybe not............ BTW: the price includes tax and license too which is about $4k worth in the fine state of Minnesota

 

[onerareviper]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
original block back with the numbers on it
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Where are these numbers??? No way to tell, from my understanding.

Later

 

[Jason-Middle Tennessee]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

How many miles are on the car alone?

 

[Ron]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">The VIN is stamped in many locations on the car including all major components, like the engine block, transmission, rear, etc. by law for theft recovery.

On the engine block for example, the VIN can be found vertically stamped on the right side near where the bellhousing mounts. While the engine is in the car, it is externally visible with the aid of a flashlight and dental mirror.

The VIN multiple stampings are nothing new. My 32 year old Trans Am has the VIN stamped in the same major locations as my Viper. Not all locations are public knowledge in order to make it a bit harder for criminals to duplicate. </FONT f>

 

[JH23JOB]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

The car has 12,000 miles on it total

 

[Bonkers]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

A new motor wouldn't bother me so long as the price is right and seller trustworthy. Buy Onerare is right you're not at any more risk than you would be buying off Ebay. I'd have to ask why was the motor replaced and when. If its been sitting idle for seven years walk away, cars never driven are the most problematic. If it was a crate motor it might have warranty with it.

Most important trust your gut instinct. If the car feels right and the deal seems honest (note: I didn't say too-good-to-be-true) then go for it.

 

[jamie furman]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

I don't think it matters who can tell? if he had not of told you, you would not have even known.

 

[joe117]

Re: Is buying a \"Numbers Matching\" GTS important ??

Tell the seller that you want to have the VIN of the engine that is in the car now. Tell them that you want them to help you see it and write it down yourself, so there is no monkey business. Then do a carfax on the VIN. You can almost for sure trace the engine VIN and find out where it came from. See if their story matches. If they are telling the truth about the VIN, and you can check that, then they may be ok.