Need1
Enthusiast
Was thinking about adding a '96 RT/10 to the stable, however thought I remember hearing a while back that those had some oddities about them? Any thoughts?
Issues with '96 RT's?
- Thread starter Need1
- Start date
V10SpeedLuvr
Enthusiast
I've had mine for just over 2 years. It has been great except blowing an oil cooler line last weekend. The only 96 RT/10 specific problem I can think of is when doing an oil change, the filter wont slip through the frame and oil pan and has to be taken out through the a-arm (meaning the passenger side front tire has to be danging in the air). Some other 96 RT/10 people say they also have this problem and some don't 
JiPi
Enthusiast
Some oddies? Please explain.
Besides the head gaskets, I have never had any major problem with my 96 RT.
Besides the head gaskets, I have never had any major problem with my 96 RT.
Need1
Enthusiast
I just thought I heard something about that specific year was put together different from the rest, and like V10 said with his example, I thought there was more issues like that when doing work on the car....
WOT!
Enthusiast
Believe me you won't be disappointed in the 96 RT. No problems with mine. Changing the oil filter is no big deal. The only real concern is the head gasket. Same for 92-95s.
What color are you looking at?
What color are you looking at?
Our 96 RT/10 is issue free...Wife's favorite over all the others.
Asp Man
Enthusiast
The only "issue" that I can think of is that is will have the 415bhp engine vs the 450bhp found in the 96 GTS and all 97 up models. Cast pistons, milder cam.
Need1
Enthusiast
Sounds good.
It's red. Although I don't like the interior on this one I was looking at (He sent me more pictures)
viperrt96
Enthusiast
I happen to be partial to a 96 as well.......
The 96RT10 has a little of everything. Gen I motor / no roll up windows and it has the Gen II suspension and rear exhaust. It also came with a little more HP 415 (400 on 92-95). I've got almost 40k on mine and I've owned it 7yrs. I've had no major issues and the whole head gasket issue is one to consider but it's not one of epidemic proportions. I would be willing to bet 70% off all Gen I's out there are still running on the originals.
The 96RT10 has a little of everything. Gen I motor / no roll up windows and it has the Gen II suspension and rear exhaust. It also came with a little more HP 415 (400 on 92-95). I've got almost 40k on mine and I've owned it 7yrs. I've had no major issues and the whole head gasket issue is one to consider but it's not one of epidemic proportions. I would be willing to bet 70% off all Gen I's out there are still running on the originals.
99 R/T 10
Enthusiast
All the Gen I's had forged pistons, big difference was in the cam for the Gen II and a slightly better head design. The 96 got a boost from a better flowing exaust.
klamathpro
Viper Owner
Cast pistons? I didn't know that. No I don't think so.
But it always sounded to me like the 96 RT was the worst of both worlds. I know you 96's out there may not like the following comments but here's what I've come to realize.
96' RT's are missing the key Gen2 components:
no windows,
no new head gaskets,
no door popper
no updated interior
no NACA duct
no 450hp
And it lost what made Gen1's the most unique:
no sidepipes
no 3 spoke rims (it has the ugly five star rims, an opinion I know)
And 96 RT's had what made them um... stand out:
Ronald McDonald red/yellow combo, (yuk, another opinion)
and the blue stripe that couldn't (Ran out of paint and didn't finish the stripe in the front)
I know I'll get bashed by the 96 owners for this comparison, some of it is just opinion, but some of it is pure fact. 96 RT's are leftovers that make them Gen1.5.
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V10SpeedLuvr
Enthusiast
I won't bash you, just offer a different view to your comments
no windows: I only drive my car with the top off, so no windows is no big deal. If it rains, I put the top on and put the windows in. The top is a lot bigger PITA than the lack of windows
no new head gaskets: So replace them IF they leak.
no door popper: Is anyone really lazy enough where reaching in the car to unlock the door is a hassle?
no updated interior: 96 RT/10s have black interior, not the gray 92-95 interior. So the differences arent really that big
no NACA duct: If you're a big racer, the NACA duct may make a difference, since a lot of Viper guys aren't, no big deal, except cosmetic.
no 450hp: They are rated at 415 HP, 35 HP isnt THAT big of a deal, unless again you're a racer.
Ronald McDonald red/yellow combo, (yuk, another opinion): Have you ever seen one in real life? A lot of people agree they look much better in real life than photos (I'm one of them). Some people still dont like them even in real life. My suggestion for those people, don't buy one.
no sidepipes: But with rear exhaust, they gained 15 HP, which gives them closer to the 450HP you complained about them not having
no 3 spoke rims (it has the ugly five star rims, an opinion I know): I like the 5 star rims better. Thousands of other people do. Thousands like the 3 spoke more. Pure opinion. I know yours, you know mine
BTW, you forgot to bash the black/silver RT/10s. Just think of everything you could complain about:
Another car Dodge forgot to finish painting
black gets hot
black is hard to keep clean
IL96RT10
Viper Owner
The only issue I have w/ my 96 rt is that the A/c is iffy at best some days it works well some days it barely gets by. I know the car getts hotter and hotter and I usually drive for an hour if I am going to take it out so a/c is my issue
ruckdr
Enthusiast
What can I say that hasn't already been said; I have owned mine since 2000. Oh, yes Door Poppers - just add them as per the "HOW TO" instructions.
Do head gaskets if not already done.
Could you ask for a better looking car??::
Do head gaskets if not already done.
Could you ask for a better looking car??::
IL96RT10
Viper Owner
Nothing prettier
You must be registered for see images attach
ruckdr
Enthusiast
IL96RT10,
LOVE IT
LOVE IT
malcoll
Enthusiast
malcoll
Enthusiast
Hmmmm...
No power windows to break and have to fix
No airbag to have to mess with.. much less two of them
The dash is way cooler... looks more like a race car interior
The steering wheel is a real racing steering wheel.. not a pick up truck steering wheel
Oh yeah... and I can get in my door anytime I bother to reach in and open the door.... how many posts have we read.... "battery died, locked out of my Viper"
The engine is the one that's a little of a bummer.. but I have the Gen 2 suspension, brakes, etc...... and I am already at or just beyond 450 HP with very few mods.....
AND... they are rarer than hen's teeth!! (OK my exaggerated opinion)
