What's the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS's

[dyeguy]

What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

Was wondering which year is considered the most desirable and for what reasons. I know about some of the more obvious like the dash upgrade and remote mirrors/hatch release. Was 97 the only year that had the good cam? Also do you guys know if there were any improvements made that make the driver's compartment any cooler on the later years? (98,99)

 

[C O D Y]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

Best year is '02 Bar none.

If you get a '96 trhough '00 make sure the frame re-weld recal is done right.

 

[dyeguy]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

Cody, What do you like about the 02's? Does it worry you that the pistons are not forged?

 

[anton28]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

Best year is '02 Bar none.

If you get a '96 trhough '00 make sure the frame re-weld recal is done right.

If you want a cream-puff..... 1999 is the best year, it is the last year of the good motor with forged internals, lumpy cam, and it has the 00-02 upgrades like electric side mirrors and a hatch release, the only thing it doesn’t have that the 2000-2002 have is ABS.

 

[C O D Y]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

I've posted this before and hope that it helps you understand a few things....

Stop believing everything you read on the internet. Most of the time it's just people regurgitating some other idiots post. This should clear thing up for you......

I will preface this with the fact that I have two vipers. One viper with forged pistons and one hypereutectic pistons. Between the two there are over 100,000 miles on them and I can tell you what I have experienced.

The reason people have labeled some motors creampuff is because of the hypereutectic pistons (Not the cam). Hypereutectic pistons are actually favored because of reduced scuffing, improved power, and fuel economy. The reduced thermal expansion rate allows the piston to be run with reduced clearance, which reduces losses due to gases escaping past the sealing rings. Unlike forged pistons where you will get "piston slap" when starting a cold motor because of the thermal expansion. The term 'hypereutectic' comes from eutectic. Special melting processes are necessary to ‘supersaturate’ the aluminum with additional silicon content. Special molds, casting and cooling techniques are required to obtain finely and uniformly dispersed silicon particles throughout the material. This produces pistons that are very hard, thus brittle. For this reason they are great in naturally aspirated engines, but should be used with caution for 'nitrous', super- or turbochargers. Generally speaking, forged pistons are a better choice for high boost. After 20,000 miles on my hypereutectic pistons I haven't burn ONE DROP of oil and no "piston slap".

Bottom line, if you are going to add forced induction, go with forged.... if not, you will get more life out of the hypereutectic pistons.

Now as for the cams. The later year cam '98 to '02 actual has MORE lift (.541" for 96 and 97 to .542" for 98 to 02.) However, most people think the 96 and 97 cams have more lift because they hear the 66.0º of overlap. The best cams just looking at the numbers are the '98 and '99's because they have the bigger lift and they still have the big over lap (66.0º overlap and .542" lift). In 2000 they went to 60.0º of overlap. Bottom line, I wouldn't spend the money to replace a cam if it's a good cam. You will not have any noticeable power gains.

With all that said, if I was to advise you on what viper is "best" I would have to know what you plan to use it for. (just talking about gen 2's now) If you plan to mostly drive it around town and enjoy the car I would say go with an '01 or '02. They have the stronger frames right from the factory with the best of the best fit and finish. The do not have any NGR (Neutral Gear Rattle) and do not need to have the frame recal welding done. They also have.... and this is a BIG ONE ...... A B S!!!!!! And I can tell you that is the biggest reason you want an '01 or '02. You might not belive or have ever needed ABS, but I know what a HUGE advantage it can be. Everyone has a different value on their own life and willing to take different risks with it.... That's one risk I just don't want to take if I don't have to. If you say you are an experienced race car driver and you plan to supercharge or force feed your viper I would say buy a '96 through '99. With the Forged pistons you can add lots of boost and not worried to much about damage. The little things you give up like rear door release lever and remote mirrors (missing in '96 to '98) is nothing to worry about. NGR can be fixed and the frame is just as strong when the recal work is done right.

If you have more questions, please feel free to email or call.

Good luck and make sure whatever viper you buy YOU MUST HAVE A VIPER TECH LOOK IT OVER PRIOR TO PURCHASE! Every other viper has been wrecked!

 

[dyeguy]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

Thanks Cody, that is very informative and helpful. I live in AZ and was wondering if there was any difference between the year models and how hot they get inside the car. Any experience with that?

 

[99 R/T 10]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

interior wise, the 99 and later cars have the more updated interiors(electric mirrors, release hatch, textured dash). They all have the same heat build up problem which can be eliminated by cutting out the cats or reduced by installing RT high flow cats.

 

[PDCjonny]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

Cody is very defensive about his car. Not to mention the fact the poster was not asking about what year is the "best" year. He was asking about the differences between 96-99.

 

[crazyspeed]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

Was wondering which year is considered the most desirable and for what reasons. I know about some of the more obvious like the dash upgrade and remote mirrors/hatch release. Was 97 the only year that had the good cam? Also do you guys know if there were any improvements made that make the driver's compartment any cooler on the later years? (98,99)

Click on the Viper REgistry on the tool bar at top of page . Then scroll down on the left side and click on the "features by year" button
Hope this helps

 

[C O D Y]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

Jon,
You might want to re-read the post. He asked "most desirable and for what reasons" and if you take the time to read my response you will see that I copied that from one of my other posts and clearly stated that "I posted this before and hope it might help".

Also, it sounds like you have a viper without ABS..... sorry to hear that. Don't worry it's still a viper. Oh ya, I still love my non ABS viper with forged pistons, just not as much as the real deal ABS GTS! Just giving a non bias opinion about my experience of owning BOTH! Here's your bonker smiley back.....

Happy New Year to you sir.

Cody is very defensive about his car. Not to mention the fact the poster was not asking about what year is the "best" year. He was asking about the differences between 96-99.

 

[Mccarlin]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

99 is the best year of the years inquiring about.

99 has:
Adjustable Pedals
18" wheels
Power Mirrors
interior hatch release
upgraded interior

Yes i am biased, but i knew what i wanted and i wanted the best

 

[PDCjonny]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

Jon,
You might want to re-read the post. He asked "most desirable and for what reasons" and if you take the time to read my response you will see that I copied that from one of my other posts and clearly stated that "I posted this before and hope it might help".

Also, it sounds like you have a viper without ABS..... sorry to hear that. Don't worry it's still a viper. Oh ya, I still love my non ABS viper with forged pistons, just not as much as the real deal ABS GTS! Just giving a non bias opinion about my experience of owning BOTH! Here's your bonker smiley back.....

Happy New Year to you sir.

Cody
You have been regurgitating your defensive post both here and at the Alley so many times, some people might think some of your claims have truth in them. You voice a lot of opinions which have NO basis in fact. Anytime some one mentions "creampuff" you get into a lather. Please show me some PROOF of the claims you make:

"you will get more life out of the hypereutectic pistons" Please show some kind of proof that there is any validity to this. Given the choice, NO ONE would pick the cast pistons over the forged. But you claim they will "last longer" and are more desirable. Kinda doubtful.

"They have the stronger frames right from the factory with the best of the best fit and finish" (I guess they put the slackers on the line in the earlier years?) Please verify how your year is built better? Because of the frame recall? Big deal, it's probably stronger now than yours is.

"I wouldn't spend the money to replace a cam if it's a good cam". That's true. The earlier years had the best cam, that's a fact. Not yours. NO ONE would put your cam in their car. But some people opt to put the 708 cam in like the earlier years.

I do wish I had ABS breaks in my car, but with the brake kit's available like Dave's it will break far better than yours, as they are almost SRT quality brakes. So brakes aside, nothing in your '02 is better than the earlier years, and most things are NOT as desirable.

Feel better?
BTW '99 is the best year, not mine. At least I can be honest.

 

[PDCjonny]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

Jon,
You might want to re-read the post. He asked "most desirable and for what reasons"

Yes. He asked for most desirable and for what reasons OF THE 96-99 YEARS. But you couldn't resist a chance to put up your cut and past "factoid". Obviously he is not interested in a cream puff.

 

[Mccarlin]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

SO tasty

You must be registered for see images

 

[PDCjonny]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

Where's Inferno???
He used to go NUTS when someone mentioned a creampuff. Then he went and bought a '96 or '97 and he found God in the lumpy cam...

 

[SnakeBitten]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

SO tasty

You must be registered for see images

LMAO...You guys are funny

 

[C O D Y]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

John,
I posted that information ONCE prior to this post.

BTW, Jonny.... I have both a Forged and Cast piston viper.

Good day.

 

[ViperJoe]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

BUY THE BOOK!

The "Viper Buyers Guide"


In the mean time......see the horizontal menu bar at the top of the page.........

Spend an hour or 3 in the REGISTRY section.......You will then be SUBSTANTIALLY more Viper smart than before!

Good Luck!

 

[JonB]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

I've posted this before and hope that it helps you understand a few things....Stop believing everything you read on the internet. Most of the time it's just people regurgitating some other idiots post.

I will preface this with the fact that I have two vipers. One viper with forged pistons and one hypereutectic pistons. Between the two there are over 100,000 miles on them and I can tell you what I have experienced........... [insert regurgitation here] ..........

Correct to advise that uncredentialled 'regurgitation' of cut-paste info authored by others is common here. Dont belive most of it.

For example, "02 is the best" means that person may feel its "best" for them, and their needs. Maybe NOT yours. They may be biased because they have one. I am biased too, in saying I think the 96-7-8 is best. I have owned 13 Vipers, and have DRIVEN over 200,000 miles on them. I have liked my 96,7s-8s best. My wife has liked ONE of em... a 1998. {She's a vette chick)

Some guys here even imply they have 100,000 miles experience, when they simply bought used, high-miles cars. THEY DID NOT 'EXPERIENCE' THOSE MILES !

 

[C O D Y]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

I couldn't agree more. That is why I so clearly stated to "advise" someone on what viper would be best for them would entail knowing their situation and usage. You JonB, would be the exception to the rule. I know you have logged more time on the track in a viper than most have on the street and ABS wouldn't do you much good.

However, most people can and do get in trouble behind the wheel of these cars. I have the not so rare experience of putting one in to a wall. So I do speak with some understanding of how easy it is to get in trouble. Out of the 5 vipers I have owned, I feel the '02 FE GTS has been the best. 3 of my vipers were bought brand new and I can assure you that I have enjoyed them all.

All vipers are rare and all will be very sought after.... get a good clean non wrecked viper and enjoy it!

Correct to advise that uncredentialled 'regurgitation' of cut-paste info authored by others is common here. Dont belive most of it.

For example, "02 is the best" means that person may feel its "best" for them, and their needs. Maybe NOT yours. They may be biased because they have one. I am biased too, in saying I think the 96-7-8 is best. I have owned 13 Vipers, and have DRIVEN over 200,000 miles on them. I have liked my 96,7s-8s best. My wife has liked ONE of em... a 1998. {She's a vette chick)

Some guys here even imply they have 100,000 miles experience, when they simply bought used, high-miles cars. THEY DID NOT 'EXPERIENCE' THOSE MILES !

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

Maybe we should create a credibility factor of "posts X odometer." Jon B would be up there.

 

[N2 Vipers]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

Cody,
I guess I am just one of the "other idiots" you mentioned. Must be nice to be so superior to the rest of us! So, why and how is a 02 superior to a 01, "bar none"?????

 

[Leslie]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

I am on my first Viper ('01), got it last June, put 15K miles on it this year

KINDA wish I had gotten a '99 because of the pistons and the 'mod' advantages


BUT....

I think there's something unique about each year

Read thru what each driver has to say about their year, study up on each Gen and then it will be easy for you to decide what's most important to you


Remember ONE THING....

ANY Viper is good!

 

[Stephen]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

I agree with Leslie, just owning a Viper is itself fantastic. I had a few Mopar Muscle Car and last year got the opportunity of buying my first Viper, worked hard for it and now very proud...

-------------

2000 GTS ACR Blk SStp
2005 Hemi Ram
2005 C-V Police Intercepter

Drive Safely

 

[C O D Y]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

Hello John Baird,
I wouldn't say superior... but since you said it, I'm not going to argue! j/k

As for the '01 vs. '02.... pretty much the same car (I know you know that!). Both great years.... No recall work needed, no NGR, and the GREAT ABS! In the prior post I should have said both '01 and '02s. My fault on that one.

As a matter of fact all gen 2 vipers are great. I haven't seen one I didn't like.

And as for you being the "other idiot", I wouldn't be so ******* yourself. I'm sure you're a nice guy.

That's why these types of boards are great. Many different opinions and many ways to look at it.

Does anyone have any more pictures of pastries?

Cody,
I guess I am just one of the "other idiots" you mentioned. Must be nice to be so superior to the rest of us! So, why and how is a 02 superior to a 01, "bar none"?????

 

[C O D Y]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

Very cool! Have you had a chance to check out your local VCA yet?

Black is niiiiice!

I agree with Leslie, just owning a Viper is itself fantastic. I had a few Mopar Muscle Car and last year got the opportunity of buying my first Viper, worked hard for it and now very proud...

-------------

2000 GTS ACR Blk SStp
2005 Hemi Ram
2005 C-V Police Intercepter

Drive Safely

 

[IEATVETS]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

This has gotten way off topic so I will continue this trend. Some of you make it sound like you can't mod a 2000 and newer Viper, when indeed you can. There are some people on this board "safely" running a 200 shot of Nitrous WITH cast pistons. There are also some members "safely" running a blower WITH cast pistons. Granted, you can't go much more than 650-675hp with cast pistons but you can do it. Safely.
As far as which year is better. Everybody is biased, me included. I absolutely loved my Gen1, hell I still do. Now I love my Gen2. Mine doesn't have ABS and for me that is no big deal. Some people love it, others don't. I am the latter. Sometimes it may give you a false sense of security. 4 wheel drive for instance. Most people think because they have 4 wheel drive and driving in snow, that they are invinceable and thet won't go into the ditch or slide around. False! Same concept with ABS. Both of my daily drivers have ABS but I am a very defensive driver and am always keeping my eyes on other drivers. I just feel that it is way overrated. While ABS is nice, it most certainly was not a determining factor in my purchase.
Like others have said, go to the top of this page and highlight viper registry then click on features. This will give you all of the info you need.

 

[Bonkers]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

If you want a cream-puff..... 1999 is the best year,

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the creampuffs were
the 00's and up because they had mild(er) cams an no forged
internals?

 

[GTS Bruce]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

LISTEN UP PILGRIM!No matter which year you choose you can't go wrong.Just don't screw up and get one of those non-viper srt gen 3/S2000/is that the new corvette cars.Get a classic while it is still affordable.Earlier cars can have brakes upgraded as they all can and later cars can get new pistons etc. GTS Bruce

 

[anton28]

Re: What\'s the biggest difference between 96-99 GTS\'s

Plain and simple, if you want a reall viper, you buy a 96-99! If your concerned with daily drivability get a vett.