looking at a 96 and 97 b/w gts...

[Invasivore]

I have done some researching. Should I be afraid to buy a 96 instead of a 97. I'm just nervous about porous blocks and such. I found a good deal on one.

Jeff

 

[Steve-Indy]

The short answer...NO...by now the few porous blocks should have already been identified and addressed, in my opinion.

Admittedly, in the past (OK...2 weeks ago) I have poked a little fun at a close friend who has a 1996 over the oil leak issues...but his is fine, and he KNOWS I'm full of it !!

 

[Ron]

Totally...

 

[DrTaco]

Well, do you want a 96 or a 97? The only thing wrong with the 1996 is that it makes every other Viper look bad....jk guys (kinda). Any car needs to be checked out before ya buy, if it passes a thorough inspection go for it if it's the one you want, and not just "a good deal".

 

[FastZilla]

Isn't there something about the `96's being the only ones where the stripes continue into the license plate area where the `97's have a break in the stripes. I know the guys with the 96's are very proud of this (and should be IMO - looks darn cool). BTW: this should be the very last point to decide in your decision between the 2 years

 

[maxdaddy]

Each year has its haters,Gen 1 weak head gaskets , Gen 2 blocks, non forged, no abs, or has abs.. In the end I have had each with no big problems. Buy what you like and build it better if it can't handle it!

 

[Burt G]

Really can't go wrong with either "96 or "97 providing the it passes a through PPI.
However, IMHO I'd be all over a "96!

 

[costanZo]

I have a 96 and only planned on buying a 96.

Although, I did consider a 97 if I found a good deal on one.

Basically if you're buying the car to pretty much just drive, mod and value isn't a top priority, than it doesn't typically matter which year. If you plan to keep it completely stock or mildly modded and care about value than go for the 96.

Goodluck!

 

[slitherv10]

I have done some researching. Should I be afraid to buy a 96 instead of a 97. I'm just nervous about porous blocks and such. I found a good deal on one.

Jeff

Ive got 2 96 B/Wts and have had no issues whatsoever (cross my fingers). If your considering doing alot of driving or mods theen I would go with the 97. For collectability, definetly a 96. And....yes the strpies going through the plate is a cool touch and a one of a kind difinetive among Vipers. Go for your Gut feeling.

 

[RevHeat]

Take your pick..

You must be registered for see images

 

[PDCjonny]

Gone down this road before, but it is disingenuous to suggest to the OP that a '96 is of greater value than a '97.
It's just not true. I shopped them long and hard a few years back and given equal mileage the 96 did not bring a penny more.
In fact, many prefer the forged wheels of "most" '97's to the cast on all '96's.
And weatherstripping improvements. And a year newer.

Of course if the look of the painted rear plate area is of importance go with a 96 then.
To the general public they are one and the same. Mileage and condition is all that matters on the B/W's.
I'm not suggesting one is better than the other but some here are suggesting one is more valuable and it's not so.
They made a lot of Blue and Whites and they still remain the most desirable color bar none.

 

[Voodoo Rob]

I agree with Viper Jon on this one. I searched for nearly 3 years before I bought my 97. I looked at 96 and 97 and either year would have been fine for me, they were both priced the same for the same condition. We all know the history and issues of the 96 production, so that is why the 97 blue and whites exist. A 92 will sell for more than a 93 because that was THE first production Viper run. Everything after that is splitting hairs. Example: 1 of 1 Gen 4s. The entire production run was so small to begin with that all equally equipped models will have nearly the same value. If nothing but color differentiates a car in a small production run, the value meter doesn't seem to move. Set your budget & find cars that fit the criteria, inspect them and drive your new to you car home. Its a Viper GTS, you can't go wrong any year, any color.

 

[96GTS]

The outter door stancheon on the 1996 was too tall, and they are prone to cracking. Not that big of a deal, but one less thing to worry about on a '97.

 

[Ron]

The poor 1996 keeps getting bashed - The stanchion issue was a 1996 & 1997 issue and was because of the side glass being too tall not the stanchion. The Dodge "fix" included new side windows that were notched to relieve the stress on the weatherstriping. A little creative gluing fixes the problem almost as well for a lot less scratch.

http://forums.viperclub.org/threads...-coming-off-is-there-a-TSB?highlight=stantion

 

[PDCjonny]

Ron is correct, the weatherstripping on my 97 is cracked as well.

 

[FLX109]

Go for the 96........

 

[00prowler]

Where do you live?

 

[FrankBarba]

If you decide that you want to come to the great state of PA to check out a 1996 come on down.
Original owner, all receipts, paperwork, history..

 

[Invasivore]

I'm down in South Florida, but have no problem traveling for the right car.

 

[Invasivore]

If you decide that you want to come to the great state of PA to check out a 1996 come on down.
Original owner, all receipts, paperwork, history..

PM sent.......

 

[SeaViper]

RevHeat - I'll pass on the Vipers and get some brisket at Rudy's! One of my favorite BBQ places.

 

[LiquoRT/10]

Looks like there's a 96 up for grabs on the Island.

http://www.maltzauctions.com/auction_detail.php?id=174753