Picked up 97 GTS and have a question for DFW guys

[SteveT]

I picked up my “new” 97 Red GTS last Friday. Even though it only has 5400 miles on it and it seems to be perfect (other than the high/hanging idle that seems to plague the random snake) I am thinking about having some preventive maintenance done. Nothing big, just belts, hoses, fluids etc..

My question is are there any auto mechanics in the Dallas/Fort Worth or surrounding area that you guys trust with your cars?

 

[Kurt 97 GTS]

I agree. Keith is a great guy and a very knowledgable Viper Tech!! Contact me off-line and I'll give you his cell number. Welcome to the 97 club!!!

 

[MadMaxx]

Man, thats alot of cats!

MM

 

[BigCarrot]

Yeah, I've heard that Keith is good. McKinney Dodge is also supposed to be good. I liked the Viper tech at Huffines Plano, he was very meticulous, but the service manager was an *** . The Viperclub meeting at Papa's Brothers BBQ in Dallas is Saturday evening. You should try to make it. The turnout is usually 40-50 cars I think.

 

[SteveT]

Thanks for the heads up on the Viper meet, unfortunately I will be out of town this weekend. Is this a weekly/monthly meet?

Anyone have any experience with Allen Samuel Dodge in North Richland Hills?

Are there any non Dodge mechanics around that do good Viper work?

MadMaxx, you should see the size of the litter box the "cats" use!

 

[1 Bad Snake]

Being in Weatherford you can also try Bobby Archer in Ft. Worth (817) 877-1772. Not taking anything away from Keith, he is great and the only Viper tech I trust with my car. But Bobby has done some of my mod work and fluid changes, and his insight on the Viper is priceless.

 

[BigCarrot]

The meets are monthly. It's a pretty spectacular site to see. The guys with all thier ducks in a row have all their vipers in a row.

Heck, if you just need little stuff like that, why don't you just do it yourself, or come by and I'll help you for free. I'm dropping a new motor in mine tomorrow.

 

[SteveT]

BigCarrot, I appreciate the offer for the help. I might just try to come by and let you take quick look and give me your opinion on what, if anything needs to be done.

 

[BigCarrot]

You bet, I don't mind at all. Everything is pretty straight forward. These cars are super easy to work on. I pulled my heads in a little over an hour, without air tools. Email me if you need help.

 

[Jay Lopez]

Make sure you join our local club. The main website is:
http://www.northtexasviperclub.com

Our calendar can be found at:
http://www.northtexasviperclub.com/calendar.htm

You'll also want to join our YahooGroup to get automatic notification of our events:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/northtexasviperclub/

Welcome!

<FONT COLOR="#ff0000" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">This message has been edited by Jay Lopez on 07-11-2002 at 04:21 PM</font>

 

[Wing King]

SteveT, welcome to Viper ownership in the North Texas area. While I support Bobby Archer 110%, the fact that you have a high or hanging idle problem on your 97 could likely involve a defective intake gasket problem particular to the year you have. If not ALREADY replaced under a TSB, it still needs to be done. Before going ANYWHERE other than your favorite authorized Dodge dealer, please have ANY dealer run a check on your car's service records to see if that gasket change was ever done. If not, then it might be best to let the dealer do it for you..... should probably be at no charge. A long time and experienced Viper Tech like Keith Laxson will know all about this intake gasket problem I've just related. If a Tech is new since 97, then they may not. Ask questions before you take your car anywhere, and take advantage of the advice being offered by some long time VCA members in your area.

The official VCA club meetings are held once a month, always on the second Saturday evening. We would love to see you there and introduce you to the VCA in this area. You will get WAY more out of your ownership experience by joining up. Enjoy!

 

[BigCarrot]

The motor is going back in with some extra strong goodies. The intake gasket is very easy to replace, but if it's a warranty issue, by all means get it done for free.