thinking of buying a GTS.....

[Lawboy]

I'm thinking of buying a GTS and wanted some input from some of you. My neighbor has an '01 and I have raced against and driven his car several times. We always have a good time be it on the street or at the track. Here is what I want to know:

1. Is there a best year for the GTS? I have heard from some that the new ones are not the strongest. With price not being a factor but rather performance and fun being the goals, is there a best year to look for?

2. If i buy a used one, I want it stock. That said, I want to mod it after I buy it. What are the essential mods to make on a GTS?

3. Should I stay away from any particular color due to paint problems?

4. Have i missed anything you think I need to know but didnt ask?

 

[Lawboy]

Just in case you were wondering, no I will not be selling the Z06. I want both.

 

[King GTS]

Lawboy,


I've had a 96' GTS, 97' GTS, and now an 01 GTS. I can say from MY personal experience, that the 2001 is my favorite. My car was dynoed at 389 to the tires STOCK. But I've heard the same rumors.....go figure.

IMO the best color for the Viper was the 96-97 year blue. I haven't heard of any other problems to look out for, some of the more knowledgable guys like 1 bad gts would be better suited to handle that one. I just got the HRE 547's delivered today. They change the entire look of my car. Maybe seeing mine will help you decide. Will Post Pics tomorrow for everyone.

 

[Lawboy]

thanks trey.

why is the '01 your favorite?
do they not offer that '97 blue anymore? i hope so! thats my favorite color!
i would love to see your rims...but can you also tell me what engine mods you think are essential to making the viper go even faster? where to start...basics....the must haves...?

thanks to all in advance!

 

[Performin Norman]

Lawboy,

What a coincidence running into you over here. hahhaa Viper GTS and 02 Z06 combo, you have excellent taste.

Let me try to answer a few questions for you. I know I won't be as thorough as some others so bare with me.

1. 96 thru 99 Vipers have forged pistons and a rough idle cam. Models after that have cast pistons (due to EPA regulations), smoother idle cam and a different ECM program. They idle smooth as a babies butt. All are very potent and yield almost identical performance.

2. Most start with smooth tubes and either K & N filters or Sean Roe filters. I just dyno'd my Viper today and the above combo added 10 horsepower at the rear wheels. After that, a lot of owners turn their attention to the exhaust. Usually cat back and headers. Some do ECM mods and get rid of the 3.07 gearing. I'm sure some others will chime in here.

3. I hate to say it but the silver that came on my car, 1998 and 1999 has a problem with the side sills yellowing from the heat of the exhaust.

4. The only thing you are missing is a Viper and a huge smile.

You must be registered for see images

 

[Lawboy]

thanks norman! i've been lurking over here for a while now...but finally decided to post....venturing out of the warm confines of Z06vette.com....good to see ya over here.

i read your posts on the dyno...if my math is correct... your GTS is putting out 490 hp uncorrected at the crank (473 hp corrected)stock??? (is it a 13% loss on vipers?)

and your Z06 is putting out 428 / 414 respectively?


and yeah i agree! its a hard to beat one-two punch!

any changes on the exterior of the GTS from model year to model year?

 

[Jim Hodel]

Hi Lawboy, my wife and I own an 01 Z06 and a 99 GTS. There are lots of opinions about which Vipers are fastest or best... most of which happen corresspond with the year of Viper that the person owns, if you know what I mean.

I like my 99 just fine, but I honestly think that the later models with the cast pistons and 'milder' cams are just as fast, but are also smoother and more civilized. However, I'd probably let condition, price, and location be my guiding factors since I think all Gen II Vipers are very close overall.

Color choice is a personal preference, although I like the Silver and blue stripe combination the best. Our Viper is black with silver stripes which I also like.

I have installed K and N filters, a CORSA 3 inch cat back exhaust, and Stoptech front brake calipers which still allow me to run in the 'Super Stock' class at Viper Days.

I hope that you find a Viper that you like. I sure enjoy our combo of Vette and Viper.

Jim

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

I love the rough idle of the 96 to 99. I prefer the 98 over the 96, 97 because of the alarm upgrade and stronger wheels. I don't like the 18 inch wheels on the 99 nor do I like the creature comforts of remote rear hatch or power mirrors.

The creampuff years are just as fast as the rough idle years.

Add K&N and smooth tubes and remove the rear muffler as soon as you get it. I dyno'd at 427 rwhp with just these mods.

All side sills discolor. Silver shows it the worst. It can be prevented/fixed.

The RT/10 is a better looking car than the GTS. Everyone that thinks the GTS is better looking is wrong.

 

[genXgts]

I'll throw in some points on the early genII's, as I am in the hunt for one myself, if anyone wants to clarify an error, let me have it, still on the learning curve:

1996 GTS, in blue/white, approx 1100, JonB of PartsRack has the first in the series, I think all were pre-sold of the run, rougher idle, white stripes ran thru the rear plate area, some early model quality issues in fit and finish, finding part numbers (use a 97 manual if all else fails), runs high 11's with a good driver and track...

1997 GTS, in blue/white, approx 900 built, no brochure difference between years only a little more experience at the factory, now in it's 2nd year run at the new plant (CAAP) so on the whole perhaps a tighter car in terms of tolerance, this may start some rebuttal just my surmising from months of thread reading......, in 97 the white stripe stopped at the rear plate area and continued below the recessed plate area....

as of 1998 no more blue/white stripes are offered, except for a sweet raffle car for the VCA, which is still going on I believe.

lots of threads on the later GENII differences, larger rims, "creampuff" cam, ABS, etc., but since this is off the top of my head, I am not positive on the changes of the later cars, I am concentrating on 1996/1997.....
best of luck,
Ryan

 

[Lawboy]

thanks everyone! i really appreciate all your advice! the only remaining question i have is whether there have been any changes to the body / exterior, other than paint, for the Gen II from year to year??

once again thanks.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

96-98 have fog light lenses. 99 and up do not, nor do they have the three small slots cut in the facia for them.

My 98 has a textured stanchion outer cover. It's the only one I've ever seen, most are smooth and glossy. That should stump some of you. JonB is disqualified for this trivia.