Greetings from Spring, TX - and I'm on '96 GTS search

[A12pilot]

Hello Gents and Gentlettes!

I've gotten snagged by the Viper bug and am narrowing the search down between the years. I'm pretty well stuck on a '96 GTS since that was the first year for that style, and the blue and white striped combo is just too classic. I'm no stranger to Mopars (I've had many classic over the years) and the daily ride is a 2016 Scat Pack Challenger. I thought a sweet GTS would be a good stable mate to that car along with my '69-1/2 A12 Super Bee and '70 Challenger T/A.

Lots of questions on these cars since I know zero about them. Unless another classic pops up, I'll hope to have one here in a few months while I do some research. So, what's the pitfalls of these things? What do I need to look for? Is there a buyer's guide on that specific year? Thanks folks. I appreciate the help and nice meeting you's guys (yeah, I know....I'm originally from NJ, not TX:witless: )

Cheers

-Dave

[SmoknTires]

Hey Dave, we've all been there. Giddy for you as you do your research and make your decision!

To help you along, definitely check out the book written by Maurice Liang (former pres of the VOA). It's exactly what you (and many of us) have leaned on for a very solid overview. It covers the very topics such as the ones you're asking about. Here's a link: https://www.amazon.com/Viper-Buyers-Guide-Maurice-Liang/dp/0760318352

Also, feel free to post in the Gen I/II section as it hits your core audience, I'm sure you'll get a lot of responses, particularly those from your fellow 96 GTS brothers.

Good luck, fingers crossed for you!

[FLATOUT]

Hi Dave the largest Viper Dealer in the world is literally right around the corner from you! Looking forward to meeting you and seeing you at ViperExchange.

Andy

[mauricev10]

Hi Dave, you might want to order a copy of the current Viper Quarterly where I sum up the history of the blue/white GTS. Call 888.778.1545. 19436

[A12pilot]

Wow! Great info guys. Thanks! Did I read that right about the book? $300+ for that? When I was in the market for a Boss 302, I was fortunate to get a copy of the Boss 302 Buyers guide that now, is about that price as well.

Good idea. I'll order that quarterly magazine edition for sure.

Dave

[A12pilot]

OK, just ordered the quarterly magazine on the GTS. I have a lead on a buddy who has the book I can borrow. I've got a few good leads on some nice ones. Hope I can zero in on a good one here soon! Thanks for the support guys!

Dave

[rnj]

I love the earlier models for their looks, and the sheer animal nature. I had a 94, and put a lot of miles on it, from Texas to Arizona, and California. I recently picked up an 05 convertible instead of an earlier model because;
1) Handling, the suspension upgrades make the models starting in 03 more stable, less 'tricky', a bit more driver/corner friendly, if I recall, at THAT time it would take $70,000 to make the 94 handle like an 03... The difference between the 94 and 05 are amazing.. (my .02....)
2) more Power

The 94 had amazing looks, black with silver stripes, very rigid ride, plastic side curtains, and was a blast... but would put me to sleep on road trips, the engine drone at 1200 rpm was pervasive..

Those are my experiences, I hope that helps, and maybe you can get input from others on the coupe, +'s, -'s etc.. enjoy the hunt!

[pastohio]

Hello Gents and Gentlettes!

I've gotten snagged by the Viper bug and am narrowing the search down between the years. I'm pretty well stuck on a '96 GTS since that was the first year for that style, and the blue and white striped combo is just too classic. I'm no stranger to Mopars (I've had many classic over the years) and the daily ride is a 2016 Scat Pack Challenger. I thought a sweet GTS would be a good stable mate to that car along with my '69-1/2 A12 Super Bee and '70 Challenger T/A.

Lots of questions on these cars since I know zero about them. Unless another classic pops up, I'll hope to have one here in a few months while I do some research. So, what's the pitfalls of these things? What do I need to look for? Is there a buyer's guide on that specific year? Thanks folks. I appreciate the help and nice meeting you's guys (yeah, I know....I'm originally from NJ, not TX:witless: )

Cheers

-Dave

Do you know a past viper owner there, his last name is Gee...been looking for him or his wife, I think she moved away...thanks for any info..

[A12pilot]

I don't know anyone down here that owns a viper, sorry.

Dave

[Dusty1]

Dave:

There is an active and pretty large contingent of us here in Houston region, good luck on your purchase and I hope you will join the Houston region when your ready and come out for some fun!!! Lots of good folks, dining and driving fun!

Richard

[A12pilot]

Thanks Richard. Looking forward to joining the club! I've hit 4 strikes this week, unfortunately. Two cars I called on are sold, one may just be an old ad, and one can't find the title! I don't want to rush it, so I'm OK with that. Soon....

Cheers

Dave

[SnakeWatching]

Thanks Richard. Looking forward to joining the club! I've hit 4 strikes this week, unfortunately. Two cars I called on are sold, one may just be an old ad, and one can't find the title! I don't want to rush it, so I'm OK with that. Soon....

Cheers

Dave

That happened to me, had several Vipers I was looking at, by the time I called and was serious with the seller, they were gone.

[A12pilot]

Just got the Viper Quarterly edition. Nice read!! A great article on the 96s. Makes me want one even more now!

[SmoknTires]

Ha, I just checked the price of the book I mentioned to you - wow, it really is $300+. Glad I have it! Maurice, I should have had you sign mine.. : )

[A12pilot]

Yep. Pricey! SliderJack replied to my thread in the Gen I/II section with a great document. Also, Andy (Flatout) I see you guys have a nice 96 in stock. I'll stop by and take a look.

Cheers

Dave

[A12pilot]

I stopped by and talked to Bernie at the Viper Exchange, looked over both 96s he has, and I think I'll be going back later this week to look more at the 96 he has that's supercharged. That low mile one is not what I'm looking for since I want to drive and enjoy it. I'm going to talk to him about "uncustomizing" it too. I still have hope for Marv's car, but this one is here and mint other than a few things that can be reverse. Plus, no shipping!

I'll keep you's guys posted.

Dave

[A12pilot]

Just wanted to update the thread. Great news! I just closed a deal yesterday on a 1997 Blue and White GTS! Thanks to a member here, it went through an inspection earlier this week and I liked what I heard, so I struck a deal with the owner. Very excited and I'll post up when it gets here next month!

Cheers

Dave

[BrianACR]

Awesome! Congrats! Best color combo on the best body style IMO. Can't wait to see some pics

[A12pilot]

Thanks, Brian. Can't wait to get it here! Here's one pic of it, at least! Already ordering stuff and it's not here yet;)

25206

Cheers:cool:

Dave

[FrankBarba]

Congratulations on your Gen 2. Blue & Whites are the fastest. Just be careful. If the tires are original you might want to
change them to some new rubber. contact JonB for Tires. Look forward to meeting your..And once again welcome to the
Blue & White Club.....

[Herrsss]

Thanks, Brian. Can't wait to get it here! Here's one pic of it, at least! Already ordering stuff and it's not here yet;)

25206

Cheers:cool:

Dave

Good looking snake! If you have the vin you can now join the club and not miss anything!

[Trauma75]

Beautiful car dude, congrats and welcome to the best club in existence.

[A12pilot]

Thanks, everyone! Already contacted Jon for tires (that guy is awesome!), and searching out other parts I'll need right away to get it up to daily (nice day) driver status. It basically needs a big service of everything and freshening up of the wearables. I'm hoping Frank will be able to pick it up the week after Mother's Day. The timing couldn't be better since this week I wrap up the restoration of my 69-1/2 A12 Super Bee, so when the Viper gets here I can dive into it right away. I'll keep you all updated. Oh, and of course, gotta join the club!!

Cheers
Dave

[Dusty1]

Dave:

Glad to see your now down in the area, look forward to seeing you soon. We have a number of events upcoming so I hope you can get her up to snuff quickly!

Richard

[FrankBarba]

Pilot thank you for the kind words and trust in bringing your GTS to you.
I would also like to take a peak at your Super Bee.

[A12pilot]

Absolutely, Frank. But keep the pictures close. My car is going to be a featured unveiling at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago this November and I'm beside myself with excitement!

And to add to that, I just got off the phone with Jon B and new tires are on the way! I'm ready for the car to get here and think that week after Mother's Day will work just great! And BTW....Jon speaks very highly of you.

Itching to get the car!

Cheers
Dave

[FrankBarba]

My lips will be sealed. Pictures are only for my viewing picture collection. Thank You....

[A12pilot]

Geeze.....I blink and next thing I know I've got a front porch full of meat! Thanks Jon B!! Small world, too;)

Car is officially mine and should be here sometime after Mother's Day courtesy of Frank!

Cheers

Dave

[A12pilot]

....and just became a Mamba member! In addition to tires, I'm going to be ordering parts this week to get her up to daily driver status when she gets here: serpentine belt, tensioner, idler pulley...gasket kit...heater hose and radiator hose kit, P/S pulley & bracket kit courtesy of Steve Fess, sway bar end links and mounting brackets, and of course...all fluids. Can't wait until it gets here!:fpopcorn:

Cheers

Dave

[ACRSNK]

Congrats on the B/W!

[A12pilot]

Frank just dropped it off at my shop! So freakin ' excited! Great job, Frank! Thanks again!

Cheers
Dave

[mackzilla]

http://i.imgur.com/Hfqo6Ib.jpg
Welcome aboard.