Potential new owner looking for some basic info , Thanks :)

[1Willy1]

Hey guys

I know everyone hates these threads, and I know im going to be told to "google" or "search " first, and I have, but im hoping top learn a few things from the current owners if possible.

Im coming from a C5 corvette and am of course in love with the looks and power of the gen 3 vipers, my only concern is the drive train and how reliable it is.

Ive heard they can potentially have oil issues which lead to engine failures, how common is this really?

Has anyone here had any engine or tranny issues ?

is it true that the gen 2 engines had forged internals and the gen 3 does not?

I don't track my cars and have no intention too either, I just like to rip through the gears sometimes and love the low end torque, that's about it.

Are these engines built for the long haul? Most vipers I see are low mileage garage queens, so im not sure, can they make 200 000 miles? Are they built for the daily grind of a daily driver?

Are there any warrantees that would cover an engine breakdown at this point? I know they are getting older now and its hard to get a lot of cars covered after a certain age.

Basically any info would be appreciated, my main concern is the reliability of the engine and drivetrain, im not bothered by the other stuff very much

Thanks in advance guys

[chicagopd50]

first things first, i have owned gen 2 and now own a gen 3. yes gen 2 has forged internals, and gen 3 does not.. as far as oil issues i have no problem what so ever with either gen in oil starvation if you drive your car in the street or even drag strip, believe me i drive my car very hard. the gen 2 that i sold 2 years ago had 80k miles and never had issues with it other then regular up keep, tires, brakes oil ect...if you are not planning on making crazy horse power like 700hp and over then the forged thing is no issue with gen 3.. remember you have 10 pistons and average of 50hp on each piston so there is hardly no stress on the motor thus rendering it a very reliable engine. trans issue i had none except i decided to change out my clutch in gen 2 when it reached 75k miles just because i thought it was time. my gen 3 only had 11k miles but i drive my car almost every day during summer in chicago area. my friend owns a blue and white gen2 gts and has well over 100k miles on it and has no issues with motor so far..

[1Willy1]

first things first, i have owned gen 2 and now own a gen 3. yes gen 2 has forged internals, and gen 3 does not.. as far as oil issues i have no problem what so ever with either gen in oil starvation if you drive your car in the street or even drag strip, believe me i drive my car very hard. the gen 2 that i sold 2 years ago had 80k miles and never had issues with it other then regular up keep, tires, brakes oil ect...if you are not planning on making crazy horse power like 700hp and over then the forged thing is no issue with gen 3.. remember you have 10 pistons and average of 50hp on each piston so there is hardly no stress on the motor thus rendering it a very reliable engine. trans issue i had none except i decided to change out my clutch in gen 2 when it reached 75k miles just because i thought it was time. my gen 3 only had 11k miles but i drive my car almost every day during summer in chicago area. my friend owns a blue and white gen2 gts and has well over 100k miles on it and has no issues with motor so far..

Thanks a lot man

so far all of the owners that ive spoken too have told me they feel the engines are pretty rock solid, that's great to hear

Its weird the gen 3's in my area are almost as cheap, or even cheaper then the gen 2's, im sure the forged engines must have something to do with that , or perhaps its the new design im not sure

But thanks and hope to learn all I can here

[06SRTCoupe]

The Gen II cars had forged internals from 96-99 for the GTS and 97-99 for the RT/10. Solid cars for sure. The Gen III, as Chicago said, is a solid car as well. If you aren't planning on doing any extreme tracking, then I wouldn't worry about the oiling issues.

[1Willy1]

The Gen II cars had forged internals from 96-99 for the GTS and 97-99 for the RT/10. Solid cars for sure. The Gen III, as Chicago said, is a solid car as well. If you aren't planning on doing any extreme tracking, then I wouldn't worry about the oiling issues.

Thanks man

and no im not planning on doing any tracking at all

[chicagopd50]

the pricing on gen 2 have sustained the lowest that they can go especially 96 97 98 because once the car hits 15 years old they have hit rock bottom and then strat to go back up as they approach 20 years old as they become classics.. now gen 3's are in that middle to low range being 03 04 05 06 are only 13 to 10 years old and will still lose value till they hit 15 years old.. when i baught a gen 2 i got it at 14 years old and got it at rock bottom price, then i sold it when it was 17 years old and got back extra 2k when i sold it, and dont forget the milage i put on it. i put 40k on it in the 4 years i had it. sold it at 80k miles.. lol

[1Willy1]

the pricing on gen 2 have sustained the lowest that they can go especially 96 97 98 because once the car hits 15 years old they have hit rock bottom and then strat to go back up as they approach 20 years old as they become classics.. now gen 3's are in that middle to low range being 03 04 05 06 are only 13 to 10 years old and will still lose value till they hit 15 years old.. when i baught a gen 2 i got it at 14 years old and got it at rock bottom price, then i sold it when it was 17 years old and got back extra 2k when i sold it, and dont forget the milage i put on it. i put 40k on it in the 4 years i had it. sold it at 80k miles.. lol

lol that's the way to do it

I found two gen 3's in my area, they are of course out of my price range, but with financing they are actually possible

Ive been lucky enough to have a few good years financially and being able to own one of these would be a total dream come true

[chicagopd50]

are u looking for a convertible or coupe? because coupes have little more value and tend to have better resale..

[1Willy1]

are u looking for a convertible or coupe? because coupes have little more value and tend to have better resale..

both of the ones ive seen in my price range have been convertibles

I prefer hardtops, I have a C5 hardtop , but if the vert is what I can afford id be happy with that

also ive seen the hardtop replacement tops for the verts, and I think they look really nice as well

[chicagopd50]

dont settle, pinch those pennies and get what you want, u live once. get the coupe you will not regret it. are u in the 40k range?

[viper04blk]

I shopped for a coupe for 3 years....gave up and bought a vert. I dont regret it... but a coupe is what I wanted. Where I live, there is zero selection.

[chicagopd50]

Well i buy what my heart desires and i dont have much money. If its a coupe i want, it a coupe i get. Besides he said he wanted a coupe.

[1Willy1]

I shopped for a coupe for 3 years....gave up and bought a vert. I dont regret it... but a coupe is what I wanted. Where I live, there is zero selection.

Im in the same boat, not much selection here especially since im barely able to afford one, but theres a lot to enjoy with the vert as well

a 500hp, V10 , 6 speed , top down in the summer, .....yea it brings a big smile to my face just thinking about it lol


Well i buy what my heart desires and i dont have much money. If its a coupe i want, it a coupe i get. Besides he said he wanted a coupe.

In your opinion what qualities does the coupe have over the vert that makes you like it so much more, just curious

[viper04blk]

Coupe looks bad-ass. And convertibles annoy me, because I know the roof one day will need replacing.

Coupes are 10k more where I live, and there are never any for sale.

[98intrigue]

I had a 06 coupe and an 03 vert. With a proper wheel/tire/suspension setup, a gen 3/4 coupe is hard to beat in the looks department. I've seen a couple '06 coupes in the low $40Ks with around 40k miles. I purchased my '06 coupe with 39k miles for $40k back in 2012...and I was part of the small percentage who suffered the plagued 3/4 rod bearing failure. I went through 2 motors, but that was the builders fault. Typically, gen 3/4 motors are rock solid.

If you're only searching local, I'd suggest broadening your search. It would suck to miss out on "the" car for you all because of a couple hundred dollar plane ticket and the best road trip home you could ever imagine.

[chicagopd50]

I just like the coupe cuz it looks better from the rear, also like viper04blk said the top is gonna need to be changed one day. And i assume air leakes are almost impossible to avoid in the cabin. Coupes are more air tight and better for the drag or road course if u plan on going to track. Maybe i hate verts because i live in chicago and dont have much use fot it. Chicago weather sux. Its either too hot too have top dowm or too cold. I had a vert saab for 3 year and honestly i think i braught the top down like 5 times. But its your preference if u can tolerate the sun beating down on u the go for it..

[1Willy1]

I had a 06 coupe and an 03 vert. With a proper wheel/tire/suspension setup, a gen 3/4 coupe is hard to beat in the looks department. I've seen a couple '06 coupes in the low $40Ks with around 40k miles. I purchased my '06 coupe with 39k miles for $40k back in 2012...and I was part of the small percentage who suffered the plagued 3/4 rod bearing failure. I went through 2 motors, but that was the builders fault. Typically, gen 3/4 motors are rock solid.

If you're only searching local, I'd suggest broadening your search. It would suck to miss out on "the" car for you all because of a couple hundred dollar plane ticket and the best road trip home you could ever imagine.

damn, rod bearing failure? were you tracking or racing the car at all?

What happened with the second rebuild, the same problem? That's scary


I just like the coupe cuz it looks better from the rear, also like viper04blk said the top is gonna need to be changed one day. And i assume air leakes are almost impossible to avoid in the cabin. Coupes are more air tight and better for the drag or road course if u plan on going to track. Maybe i hate verts because i live in chicago and dont have much use fot it. Chicago weather sux. Its either too hot too have top dowm or too cold. I had a vert saab for 3 year and honestly i think i braught the top down like 5 times. But its your preference if u can tolerate the sun beating down on u the go for it..

Yea I live in Toronto, we got the same weather as you guys pretty much, either too hot, too humid, or too cold

[robviper]

I agree with everything said here, and I like the coupes looks better than the convertibles as well. I think the coupes will hold their value more than the verts because basic supply and demand. I wanted the 505 motor in the $40K range which put me in the 03'-06' and the coupes are just nonexistent. I thought I compromised to buy my vert, but now completely enjoy that feature. Nothing better on a warm summer night than cruz'in with my girl with Van Halen jamming with the top down!

My 04' has 14,000 miles and zero issues. I would not be worried about drivetrain issues any more than any other comparable high performance sports cars. Naturally aspirated performance, in my opinion is the beauty of the Viper concept in the first place. Simple and strong!

As a daily driver I would image some do that with good results. Most of the heat issues from the exhaust, loud exhaust, can all be reduced or eliminated with an after market exhaust of coarse. Here in MI not a problem for me.

[98intrigue]

damn, rod bearing failure? were you tracking or racing the car at all?

What happened with the second rebuild, the same problem? That's scary


I was giving a friend a ride...I believe doing a 1-3 gear pull. After I let off in 3rd, the bearing noise started. Five months later after doing an OEM rebuild, I got my car back. Two weeks later, same thing happened again! I found out the installer decided to cheap out and reuse the oil cooler and lines, which most likely was the culprit. Six months and 1 attorney later, I got the car back.

Don't let my story scare you, as the Gen 3 motors are mostly very reliable. Just make sure an $8k rebuild won't break you, as it almost did me.

[sonicbloo]

Living in the UK, and not wanting (if it could be avoided) the hassle of buying and importing a Viper, I had very little choice when buying a gen 3. I thought a convertible would be the only car available so started the long wait for one to come up for sale, even though I preferred the sleeker lines of the coupe and the more aggressive rear end. In the end, I just got 'lucky' when my coupe appeared for sale at a dealer 50 miles from my home. I'm only guessing, and would love to know the actual figure, but there are probably no more than 20 gen 3/4 coupes in the UK.

No major issues so far, but I've only had it 11 months and covered 3000 miles. Leaking oil cooler pipes are a known issue though, and I had to replace mine in November. I only realised because of slight drips on the garage floor.

I'll probably get shot down in flames, and I love driving my car, but I'm thinking a C5 would be better/easier as a daily driver?

Good luck with your search.

[parabs]

Yea I live in Toronto, we got the same weather as you guys pretty much, either too hot, too humid, or too cold

Don't be afraid of the mileage, but get the car checked out at a viper shop as prior maintenance is not always easy to see. I'm not sure what's local to Toronto but consider including viper specialty as a shop to check out prospects you come up with. Dan is currently in the NE states I believe. I have chatted with him on the phone, that is a gentlemen the who knows details on these cars.

All convertibles for 2003-2005, coupes first appeared in the gen3/4 body style in 2006, which makes the coupe a tough find. Platinum in Toronto has a couple coupes right now, both are modified I believe.

From my reading, the 03 has some variations in the engine vs the 04-06 (some small differences with the block or something), and supposedly the oiling system is (only slightly) better in the 05-06. However I read that "somewhere" and it isn't information that is regurgitated much so it might not be true.

I don't care who makes it, but it you beat and abuse something eventually you will break it. You don't sound like a beat and abuse driver.

[chicagopd50]

If ypu want to buy a gen 3 coupe by a very reputable viper dealer. Take a look at Roanoke motors in illinois.. he has awsome cars. I got mine from there with 8k miles on 2006 coupe. He had many to choose from. http://romocoinc.com/used/dodge/viper/peoria-il

[Wiretech]

If ypu want to buy a gen 3 coupe by a very reputable viper dealer. Take a look at Roanoke motors in illinois.. he has awsome cars. I got mine from there with 8k miles on 2006 coupe. He had many to choose from. http://romocoinc.com/used/dodge/viper/peoria-il

My coupe came from Roanoke Motors also and very happy with it, very reliable dealer

[chicagopd50]

Yes roanoke motors dont buy junk. They also sell most of the cars they originally sold as new when thier customers come back and trade vipers in that they've baught from roanoke. They guy i baught mine from told me he sold my car twice. Once as new and second time to me as a second owner. Awsome guys and dealer. I live almost 2 hours away. Drove there picked it up and drove back...he also threw in then 08 style H spoke wheels and took my 5 spoke wheels off as a bargain to make the deal much more sweet.

[MalingatorGTS]

both of the ones ive seen in my price range have been convertibles

I prefer hardtops, I have a C5 hardtop , but if the vert is what I can afford id be happy with that

also ive seen the hardtop replacement tops for the verts, and I think they look really nice as well

Don't settle! It may take a little while but the right car is out there! Don't be afraid to buy one that's not local IF it's the right car. Sometimes, even with shipping cost, you save. If the car has the correct background and documentation, you shouldn't worry too much. I for one cannot stand convertibles (to own, not look at) so they were out of the question.

If you check the classifieds here, or from some of the sponsoring dealers, you know the car is pretty well taken care of and not a money pit.

All that said, there's NOTHING better to fly out, get the keys and have a once in a lifetime road trip home with your new (to you) Viper.

[SlateEd]

+1 on the reliability of Gen3 engines. I've tracked mine and have not had any oiling issues...That issue really applies to LONG hard corners, pushing all the oil to one side of the stock oil pan, away from the pickup. If you decide to track one day you can swap a gen 4 pan and pickup (or run an extra qt of oil) On the street, you'll be totally fine.

as several have said, don't be afraid to travel if the right one is out there... you can usually get someone from the VOA to check out a car for you in their area, just ask!

only other thing to budget for is tires... ironically if a car has low milage the tires may be OLD, which is a bigger concern on this car than 'worn out' check those date codes on any car you look at and factor that into the price... you don't want your first experience with a Viper to be on 8 year old rubber.

good luck!!

[Bill Pemberton]

Gen IIs really need checked over by a very competent Viper Tech ( unfortunately there are very few). These cars are getting old and replacement parts can be Stratospheric. Most places don't even know what to look for, but price wise they have been quite stable considering the price reduction from Dodge on the Gen Vs. The pricing with Gen IIIs is also quite similar to even 4-5 years ago, and Coupes will bring more money, since they were only built in 2006. On the Gen IV front the ACR will obviously bring top dollar , but we have seen somewhat of a paradox , as convertibles are seeing a resurgence since they have not been built since 2010, and often mirror pricing of a Gen IV Coupe.

[bozz]

..........On the Gen IV front the ACR will obviously bring top dollar , but we have seen somewhat of a paradox , as convertibles are seeing a resurgence since they have not been built since 2010, and often mirror pricing of a Gen IV Coupe.

Now, that is good news.

[1Willy1]

Thanks guys :)

been trolling the classifieds, im planning to take the first step and take one for a test drive

Then well see how I feel :)

[viper04blk]

Check that tire date codes on the car you test drive. I spent a whole summer driving an 04 viper with original rubber....it sucks... If the rubber is old, dont let it cloud your judgement.