Is there a sticky for Viper shoppers?

[snaphappy]

Hey guys! I'm going to spend the next several months lurking Gathering info. I don't want to re-create a lot of posts because I know that's annoying. Is there a sticky or buyer's guide around anywhere??

I also have a suggestion. You guys charge for membership right? You should create a type of membership for non-Viper owners. For example I pay $50/year and I get a guide to buying, things to look for in particular models/generations. Just a suggestion! I'd be glad to pay for real insider information because it's a real struggle when you're looking at a few different cars and trying to decide which you want.

Just a little about me. I spent three years researching Camaros. I'm just one of those guys, haha. In 2012 I bought a new 2011 Camaro SS2/RS convertible with a manual 6 and LS3. Red with tan top and tan leather interior. It's everything I'd hoped it would be. Next, I'm considering a Viper - preferably 2nd gen GTS, Boss Mustang Laguna Seca, or Camaro ZL1 convertible.

I'd like to leave this pretty open. I like to listen. If you were Viper shopping with a budget under $50,000 where would you go knowing what you know now? Preferably I'd like to be around $40,000 when the time comes. I'm leaning toward the 2nd gen GTS because my plan is to keep this car forever and to me, the GTS is the most unique, prestigious, and has the greatest potential to be a classic. But I just want to hear from you guys!

 

[AZTVR]

Is there a sticky or buyer's guide around anywhere??

A sticky is a good idea (if people could find it). Here is the definitive buyer
s guide; but, it is older, so, it doesn't cover after 2004 http://www.viperbuyersguide.com/

As far as Gen 2, this thread has good info: http://forums.viperclub.org/threads/651808-What-year-is-best

And some for various tears:
http://forums.viperclub.org/threads/619797

http://forums.viperclub.org/threads/633931-Cant-decide-between-a-SRT-10-or-a-Gen-II?


_________________________________________________
Jim – ‘02 GTS ACR gray/silver -- sold – ( enthusiastic custodian for 8 years )

 

[fuelman]

Gen IIs always a great choice. 1996 - 1999, they had forged pistons and what was called a 708 cam. 2000 - 2002 they came with cast pistons and a different grind camshaft. 2001 and 2002 had the first ABS brakes, big difference on a road course. Loads of posts on which years and which engine set up better. If you are going for big power, supercharger, turbos, nitrous, etc, then forged piston motor. If you are going to keep it stock, then go with the cast piston motor and the ABS brakes. My 2 cents. I ran 11.80s with my "cream puff" motor, a 2001 GTS and that was just with a few bolt ons, and then 10.00 flat @ 144mph, still cast pistons, but with a supercharger and a small hit of nitrous. Good luck.

 

[snaphappy]

Gen IIs always a great choice. 1996 - 1999, they had forged pistons and what was called a 708 cam. 2000 - 2002 they came with cast pistons and a different grind camshaft. 2001 and 2002 had the first ABS brakes, big difference on a road course. Loads of posts on which years and which engine set up better. If you are going for big power, supercharger, turbos, nitrous, etc, then forged piston motor. If you are going to keep it stock, then go with the cast piston motor and the ABS brakes. My 2 cents. I ran 11.80s with my "cream puff" motor, a 2001 GTS and that was just with a few bolt ons, and then 10.00 flat @ 144mph, still cast pistons, but with a supercharger and a small hit of nitrous. Good luck.

I just did a bit of searching and the 2001 and 2002 look the same as the 99. Any design or interior changes I should know about?

ABS sounds good. But I'm not sure if I'd notice the difference. One of the things I love about the Viper is how nanny free it is. First thing I do in my SS is shut off all the nannies. I like my LS3 pure.

Is there a price/resale difference between the forged piston and cast piston cars? I'm going to drive the Viper weekly, but I'd love to anticipate the most likely to be a classic

Thanks!

 

[snaphappy]

I just did a bit of reading, I see the forged vs cast is a controversial issue. I'd just hate to be an old guy 20 years from now saying if my Viper had x pistons it would be worth more!! Haha! Because, God willing, I'm keeping this car forever. The SS is my daily, round town car, but the Viper is going to be that classic that I drive once a week and wax and drool on 6 days a week haha!

 

[snaphappy]

A sticky is a good idea (if people could find it). Here is the definitive buyer
s guide; but, it is older, so, it doesn't cover after 2004 http://www.viperbuyersguide.com/

As far as Gen 2, this thread has good info: http://forums.viperclub.org/threads/651808-What-year-is-best

And some for various tears:
http://forums.viperclub.org/threads/619797

http://forums.viperclub.org/threads/633931-Cant-decide-between-a-SRT-10-or-a-Gen-II?


_________________________________________________
Jim – ‘02 GTS ACR gray/silver -- sold – ( enthusiastic custodian for 8 years )

Ok totally buying the book. That way I won't harass you guys with needless posts. I plan on contacting a Viper owner locally and see if we could meet. Maybe he can play with my SS and I can test his Viper. Is that crazy? Maybe I could pay him. Or if there's a Viper meeting near Memphis that would be wonderful. I need to get my wife around them so she can understand better. She hasn't seen one in years!

 

[djviper]

If you're looking to keep the car a long time and are looking for a "classic" than I'd suggest either a 96 b/w GTS or a 2002 final edition. Those are surely to be the most sought after (other than 1st year Gen1's).

If you don't want to pony up the cash for one of those, than you shouldn't shy away from Gen2 RT-10s. They cost a little less but will likely be just as sought after down the road--afterall convertibles are just cool, especially on a chassis that was designed for it from the ground up.