Looking for original Blue Gen2 GTS

[pullin-gs]

1st post. :-)
I just sold my '63 split-window vette. I've always wanted a Viper, so timing is good for me to get one now.
I'm looking for a Turn-key low-mile unmolested original Blue GTS. Have cash for right car.

Thanks. PRB

[BrianACR]

Good luck with your search! There are some nice cars in the classifieds.

[daveg]

I assume you are referring to a 96 or 97 B/W?
Define low miles

[JimJoeBob]

Define low miles

Lol the big one. Viper community low mileage or regular 20 year old vehicle low mileage.

[pullin-gs]

<20K miles. :D
Blue/white
I'm looking forward to driving a luxurious and well-behaved car!
FYI my 1960 vette was manual-everything! She drove like a 60-year old truck on a good day. :)
v/r,
P

[viperman4125]

>20K. :D
I'm looking forward to driving a luxurious and well-behaved car!
FYI my 1960 vette was manual-everything! She drove like a 60-year old truck on a good day. :)
v/r,
P

There are alot out there prices are all over the board.
BTW test drive the 96, may not much different that your 63.
I have a 94,

[capevettes]

Welcome aboard. I chimed in on your thread over on the Corvette Forum. You came to the right place. I will keep my eyes open for you. Good luck.

[1BADV10]

Welcome to VOA. Plenty of b/w's out there to choose from and its definitely a buyers market now with vipers. As for a "well-behaved" viper....no such thing, they are a beast but that's what makes them so dang fun to drive!!

[AviP]

>20K. :D
Blue/white
I'm looking forward to driving a luxurious and well-behaved car!

Dude, you are in the wrong place. The GTS is not luxurious at all. It's plastic crap inside. And it's not well-behaved either. It is a beast to drive. But it is also a blast. Just keeping the expectations right. :D

[Bill Pemberton]

Definitely not a buyer's market now, high quality Snakes are quite stable and moving up at a moderate pace .....it is becoming more and more a seller's market. Not out of line now, but many cars are selling for more than they did 2-3 years ago and an unmolested 96/97 is quite hard to find. Even if one is found , reconditioning can be pricey also , as you are dealing with a 20+ year old car. You will find some of the essence of your Vette, but there is definitely a major change going to the Viper - it will ride better , handle better and definitely be easier on your back.

Do your due diligence and get the car on a lift , as that is where most of the unforeseen costs arise. Many will have older rubber on them also, so keep in mind finding tires for the car can be tough.

Best Regards,
Bill Pemberton

[pullin-gs]

Dude, you are in the wrong place. The GTS is not luxurious at all. It's plastic crap inside. And it's not well-behaved either. It is a beast to drive. But it is also a blast. Just keeping the expectations right. :D
In comparison to a 1960 vette?
PS, PB, AC, suspension, PW, alarm, passenger-side mirror, PM, adjustable steering, windshield washer, etc. .......yes, luxurious. :D

Correction: <20K miles, not >20K is my target.

[Bill Pemberton]

Throw in the adjustable pedals and you have a veritable luxo barge !!!

[1BADV10]

Definitely not a buyer's market now, high quality Snakes are quite stable and moving up at a moderate pace .....it is becoming more and more a seller's market. Not out of line now, but many cars are selling for more than they did 2-3 years ago and an unmolested 96/97 is quite hard to find. Even if one is found , reconditioning can be pricey also , as you are dealing with a 20+ year old car. You will find some of the essence of your Vette, but there is definitely a major change going to the Viper - it will ride better , handle better and definitely be easier on your back.

Do your due diligence and get the car on a lift , as that is where most of the unforeseen costs arise. Many will have older rubber on them also, so keep in mind finding tires for the car can be tough.

Best Regards,
Bill Pemberton

I'd say the Viper (nice shape) is at or very near the bottom of its depreciation thus making it a buyers market. The car has a very good chance of steady increase in value...as you say, they are selling for more than they did 2-3 years ago.

[harley56]

Not sure of your location, or desired purchase price.............

This one is overpriced, but if motivated may come down. https://reno.craigslist.org/cto/d/1997-dodge-viper-gts-4100/6510299092.html

Here's another ad says hood decals can be removed. https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/d/1997-dodge-viper-gts/6483598954.html

Viper Exchange also lists two as incoming, both have approx. 12K miles.

Good Luck!

[pullin-gs]

Thanks Harley. Great leads.
I'm looking at one tommorrow.....I dont think it will pan out though:price is high. But what the heck, I have a free morning/afternoon to check it out.

[ACRSNK]

Not sure it’s a Buyer’s market, but there are plenty of B/W’s out there to choose from. If you ask me, I suggest expanding your search to include Gen II ACR’s. Good luck in your search. I’m sure you will find something nice.

[daveg]

....BTW test drive the 96, may not much different that your 63.
I have a 94,Hugh difference between the 2 (especially Gen II GTS) .. As far as the way they drive and comfort, the best comparison is there is no comparison... Ask me how I know.
Paul (caevette) can offer more insight since he is the "Vette" man.
Paul, I'm getting thirsty!!!!

[capevettes]

Hugh difference between the 2 (especially Gen II GTS) .. As far as the way they drive and comfort, the best comparison is there is no comparison... Ask me how I know.
Paul (caevette) can offer more insight since he is the "Vette" man.
Paul, I'm getting thirsty!!!!

Yea, the Gen 2 GTS feels absolutely modern compared to a solid axle or midyear Corvette. Still a hard ride but the Viper feels the way a sports car should feel.

May be heading up to the brewery today for some Pale Ales. Took the Viper out the other day and the billet PS pulley is still on!!!

[ssmith71]

My 65 vette drove nothing like my 96 Viper. Partly because of the vette being convertible, but the frame flex and skinny tires made going around corners very entertaining.

[pullin-gs]

I looked at a nice low-mile Viper GTS 1996. :D
Car checked out clean. Seller is a 100% trustworthy.
18K miles. Car finish is wonderful and orginal. No-hit.
I think the price is on the high side though.

PS Pully already done.
Looks/Feels/drives like a solid car.
Has expected Viper gaps variances.
Hood excellent.
Recalls up to date.
Doors hanging nicely. They close tight with little effort.
Very very little bubbling on kick panels.

Issues:
Needs tires (age-cracks)
The interior (dash) could be better...seems like it has tiny pits on plastic dash pad. Has some deeper scratches (broken radio replaced w/OEM radio...very sloppy job).
One of the wheels has curb-rash.
Inside driver door black latch trim is lose.

Nit: Various under-hood steel clips, screws,fittings, and bodywork fasteners have patina rust (dull brown)...not pitted, but not shiny.
Same with underside hinge bolts and other underside fasteners.
This bothers me. I want/expect shiny. Is this unreasonable expectation for 56+K '96 GTS?
Everything else is fixable (wheel, tires will set me back 1.5K.... interior I can live with).

[JimJoeBob]

For 56K? Hell for that price the damn radio replacement job should've been better than shoddy and the door trim should be tight. Tires are super common to be old. I've seen that everywhere.

[pullin-gs]

For 56K? Hell for that price the damn radio replacement job should've been better than shoddy and the door trim should be tight. Tires are super common to be old. I've seen that everywhere.

Agree....but I can fix that. The surface rust on screws/fittings I can not fix though. :(
I expect car was stored underroof and never driven in rain....the rust is because of high humidity in garage sometime over the past 22 years.
v/r,
P

[AviP]

I drive my 97 B/W GTS in the rain whenever possible. In fact I enjoy it in the rain since it is easier to control the wicked power slides. Bolts are rusted but then again I've never cue-tipped it. I fear once I start, then I'll enjoy it less. So dirty and rusty it shall be. To the end! :smileys-car-driving

[ACRSNK]

I looked at a nice low-mile Viper GTS 1996. :D
Car checked out clean. Seller is a 100% trustworthy.
18K miles. Car finish is wonderful and orginal. No-hit.
I think the price is on the high side though.

PS Pully already done.
Looks/Feels/drives like a solid car.
Has expected Viper gaps variances.
Hood excellent.
Recalls up to date.
Doors hanging nicely. They close tight with little effort.
Very very little bubbling on kick panels.

Issues:
Needs tires (age-cracks)
The interior (dash) could be better...seems like it has tiny pits on plastic dash pad. Has some deeper scratches (broken radio replaced w/OEM radio...very sloppy job).
One of the wheels has curb-rash.
Inside driver door black latch trim is lose.

Nit: Various under-hood steel clips, screws,fittings, and bodywork fasteners have patina rust (dull brown)...not pitted, but not shiny.
Same with underside hinge bolts and other underside fasteners.
This bothers me. I want/expect shiny. Is this unreasonable expectation for 56+K '96 GTS?
Everything else is fixable (wheel, tires will set me back 1.5K.... interior I can live with).

Price is high. A member on here sold a really nice 2 owner B/W with 18K miles for $45K a couple months back. Think he was originally asking low $50’s. Don’t jump on the first car you see and don’t be afraid to make reasonable offers. Worst that can happen is the Seller says no. There are plenty of nice ones to choose from. Be patient, but also be prepared to pull the trigger when you do find the “right” car as Vipers, all Vipers that are priced right don’t last.

[harley56]

"Various under-hood steel clips, screws,fittings, and bodywork fasteners have patina rust (dull brown)...not pitted, but not shiny.
Same with underside hinge bolts and other underside fasteners.
This bothers me. I want/expect shiny. Is this unreasonable expectation for 56+K '96 GTS?
Everything else is fixable (wheel, tires will set me back 1.5K.... interior I can live with).

Your expectations are not unreasonable - This one is overpriced!!

[Steve-Indy]

pullin-Gs, I applaud your eye and wish you luck in your search.

Realistically, I doubt you will find an un-restored 96/97 in the state you are seeking...regardless of price. I have seen and examined two Vipers in this age range (one in a museum) with less than 10 miles each...both of which would fail your stated requirements. Vipers "are what they are". I have seen these cars coming off of Reliable Carrier trucks with some of these cosmetic situations already in progress. By the way, I have been under scores of Vipers...and, we have a couple of our own.

I would suggest that you look for a straight Viper, preferably one owner with low mileage. Then, as you get to know that car in your own garage and have taken care ALL of the mechanical issues, fix it up/refurbish anything/everything that you like. Best of luck in your hunt.

[soundkillr]

What you're describing sounds like what I found a few years ago. Extremely hard to find, and getting very expensive but they are out there....

[soundkillr]

A few more...

[daveg]

May be heading up to the brewery today for some Pale Ales. Took the Viper out the other day and the billet PS pulley is still on!!!Already have to make a trip? Someone gave me a couple goodies that I am sure you will be happy with. May make a trip to the Cape on Thursday night but most likely will come back on Saturday AM.. replacing every brake component on the 69 Vette. About halfway done. Probably finish it next weekend..
Glad the Pump Pulley and bracket got a clean bill of health..
Talk soon.

[pullin-gs]

That is a very nice find indeed.
There are two GTSs on autotrader.com which are minty. But color is wrong for me though. :-(
I found a B/W minty one on west coast, but has mods.....not interested in it.
There is another B/W one on the west coast which meets my needs....has good tires also. Over my budget though (not by much)....will see if owner willing to deal.:-)

[daveg]

That is a very nice find indeed.
There are two GTSs on autotrader.com which are minty. But color is wrong for me though. :-(
I found a B/W minty one on west coast, but has mods.....not interested in it.
There is another B/W one on the west coast which meets my needs....has good tires also. Over my budget though (not by much)....will see if owner willing to deal.:-)What are the Mods on the one you are not interested in (did it have the original cast rims)? Can it be reverted?
Not sure if I saw in this thread, what is the max you want to spend?
I agree, when I purchased my 96, it had to be stock! Only mod is a Borla 3" cat back. Everything including the Cat is original. Easily reversible. Still have the Original wires on my car (and have a NOS 96 set when the time comes)..
Good luck with your quest.. be patient.

[Jeremyb]

Ran across this while browsing.

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/d/dodge-viper-gts-blue-white/6531998138.html

[JimJoeBob]

Ran across this while browsing.

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/d/dodge-viper-gts-blue-white/6531998138.html

Interesting. All the problems laid out plainly for you.

[daveg]

Be careful.. May not be the oil pan, could be rear main. Problem areas on the 96's are Pan (porous and / or gasket), Rear Main and Timing cover.
That's quite a scar on the seat bolster as well..

[JimJoeBob]

Be careful.. May not be the oil pan, could be rear main. Problem areas on the 96's are Pan (porous and / or gasket), Rear Main and Timing cover.
That's quite a scar on the seat bolster as well..

What's the seriousness of a potential rear main leak?

[Steve-Indy]

What's the seriousness of a potential rear main leak?

Not sure what you are asking. It is fixable, though you will find that the seal needs to be fitted using a later Gen part in the OEM carrier. Gasket still available. I would use new straps and bolts on drive shaft universal.

Keep in mind that a few rear mains have been blamed for other leaks...such a cam plug.

[JimJoeBob]

Not sure what you are asking. It is fixable, though you will find that the seal needs to be fitted using a later Gen part in the OEM carrier. Gasket still available. I would use new straps and bolts on drive shaft universal.

Keep in mind that a few rear mains have been blamed for other leaks...such a cam plug.

Darn. I'm kinda interested in that car. I've been looking for awhile and I like how his has all the issues laid out. But the sound of it being something major is kinda unsettling.

[Steve-Indy]

It is quite fixable by a good tech...and, certainly not a deal breaker by ant means. The 96 GTS leaked oil a variety of ways...most of which have been fixed.

That said, THE DEAL BREAKER to a collector would be encountering one of the "few" 1996 GTS's with a porous BLOCK. The fix was a new block as the engine went to Arrow to be rebuilt. If caught in the first few years, they got s forged piston. Later, some got the later cast piston Gen II engine. Both are great motors...but, goodbye matching VIN.

I doubt a casual observer could tell that from a Carfax..and, yes, I have checked on a couple.

[JimJoeBob]

I'm not a collector by any means. Just want a car to enjoy and drive. I'd hate a porous block however.

[daveg]

Hey Steve, Porous block is new to me on a 96... Guess you learn something everyday.
You can also tell an early 96 GTS from a later VIN one by where the oil fill is. My car is a very very early VIN and the oil fill is on the drivers side valve cover. Most every fill I have seen on a 96 GTS is on the passengers side valve cover.
First thing I look at when I see a picture of a 96 GTS is the oil fill placement. This tells me if its an early car or not.

[Steve-Indy]

Agree, I literally learn something new everyday from our fellow owners and enthusiasts. As I understand it, the porous blocks may have been in a relatively narrow range of VIN's...but that's all I know. My local fellow member/friend went through many, many "fixes" before the block problem was found. By then, he was past the forged motor era, as the only replacement was the cast piston version. It was a strong motor, but he soon dumped it over the VIN issue. Sad, because it was a great driver in overall excellent shape.

[daveg]

Steve, have you read Chris Greens document solely dedicated to the 96? A must read for anyone looking for one..
Tons of information and facts about the 96.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-EETikFmFLnZHFzM3VGZVdPdnM/edit?pli=1

[Steve-Indy]

Yes I have...he was kind enough to share it with me a few years ago. It represents a huge amount of work on him part !!!

[daveg]

I Edited my post and put the URL there for others..

[FrankBarba]

18K milage 96 for 56K...I remember just October 2017 when those were screaming at me telling me that my 96 with 8K on the ticker, 1 owner all documented was out of line at 58+K.

[harley56]

18K milage 96 for 56K...I remember just October 2017 when those were screaming at me telling me that my 96 with 8K on the ticker, 1 owner all documented was out of line at 58+K.

Yours may not have been out of line, but this one with 18K miles for $56K is.

[1BADV10]

18,000 miles on a 96.....that's almost 900 miles per year...that car is shot, wore out junk, lol. Low mileage cars are great if they are fairly new but Keep in mind that there is a such thing as too low of miles when cars get 20+ years old. If you don't drive them you get seal problems, brake problems, electronic corrosion problems ect....I bet a 96 with 800 miles will give you more headaches than one with 18,000 on the clock.

[ViperJon]

I bet a 96 with 800 miles will give you more headaches than one with 18,000 on the clock.

Maybe.....but it will have a LOT less nicks, chips and wear on it as well.

[Bill Pemberton]

800 or 18,000 , the big issue is just age --things do deteriorate over close to 22 years. We did see some porous oil pans but I can not remember ever seeing a porous block on a 96.

[Steve-Indy]

For those who are truly interested, search the VCA forums using "porous block"....and READ all of each thread.

[JimJoeBob]

For those who are truly interested, search the VCA forums using "porous block"....and READ all of each thread.

Been doing this exact thing

[FrankBarba]

I will throw my 96 back in. 8K Miles, Original Owner, Build last October 1996, Delivered December 1996. All Documentation, everything from day one.
With the current prices, What is it worth ???

[viperman4125]

I will throw my 96 back in. 8K Miles, Original Owner, Build last October 1996, Delivered December 1996. All Documentation, everything from day one.
With the current prices, What is it worth ???

I have seen them go at Mecum for 75k. $ I know i was bidding. 2 years before that they were at 55k.$
I keep chasing them! uuuggg. Plus Auction fees .

If your car is super original and clean, upwards of 70's. I have been following these for 5 years.

AT those prices i will buy a GEN V.

Dave

[Blue T/A 2.0]

I will throw my 96 back in. 8K Miles, Original Owner, Build last October 1996, Delivered December 1996. All Documentation, everything from day one.
With the current prices, What is it worth ???

I would say about $50K delivered to a mid Atlantic state. PM me if you’re interested.

[MacGyvers Mullet]

Darn. I'm kinda interested in that car. I've been looking for awhile and I like how his has all the issues laid out. But the sound of it being something major is kinda unsettling.

As a 96 owner who has gone through two rear main seals (a "certified" dodge viper tech mis-installed the first one...only god knows how. The one time I pay someone to do the work, of course) and a timing cover gasket change, it is nothing to overly concern yourself about. The rear main seal leak can show fresh oil on the transmission, the skid plate, the passenger side frame rails and quite possibly the bottom of the starter. The oil gets flung everywhere, at least in both of my instances.

The timing cover leak will most likely show older caked on oil around the timing cover and whatever components are below the leak. Fresh oil will be shown in the front bottom half of the engine, working its way to the rear of the oil pan as the car gets driven. Leaky PCV rubber can also be mistaken for a timing cover leak, so be sure to try to differentiate the two.

Both repairs are easy with the right person behind the wrench. They are also quite common on the 96's, so like I said, don't fret them too much and you will run into them.

An update to the redesigned (aluminum vs the old plastic) oil pan gasket is also recommended, if you can still source one. Super easy to change.

[harley56]

Recent auction results dating back to last fall at Mecum and Barrett Jackson are:

Barrett Jackson - Scottsdale 1/18: $69,300 w/1,550 Miles. I saw this one - looked great!
Mecum - Kissimmee FL. 1/18: $59,400 w/11,794 Miles (same car as below)
Mecum -Las Vegas 11/17: $52,500 w/11,794 Miles
Mecum - Las Vegas 11/17: $64,000 w/1,535 Miles
Mecum - Dallas 11/17: $77,000 w/315 Miles

To those $$$ add buyer's and seller's fees to both 8 - 10%

[harley56]

pullin-gs: How about this one? One Owner - 5300 miles.

https://www.naplesautocollection.com/vehicle-details/1996-dodge-viper-gts-coupe-6b1db423b8224cc6ac3ccd95d9f0c96f

[MacGyvers Mullet]

pullin-gs: How about this one? One Owner - 5300 miles.

https://www.naplesautocollection.com/vehicle-details/1996-dodge-viper-gts-coupe-6b1db423b8224cc6ac3ccd95d9f0c96f

That front bumper cover alignment has seen better days. Or it could be a poor repaint, as it looks like the factory clear 3M tape is missing from the bottom sides. Tough to tell from those pics though. Would definitely need in-person inspection.

[harley56]

That front bumper cover alignment has seen better days. Or it could be a poor repaint, as it looks like the factory clear 3M tape is missing from the bottom sides. Tough to tell from those pics though. Would definitely need in-person inspection.

I hear you on the alignment - My '96 has 1500 miles, and alignment is no better than this one - must have come down the assembly line one after another.

[FrankBarba]

I would say about $50K delivered to a mid Atlantic state. PM me if you’re interested.

Not interested....but thank you...

[Brian GTS]

That front bumper cover alignment has seen better days. Or it could be a poor repaint, as it looks like the factory clear 3M tape is missing from the bottom sides. Tough to tell from those pics though. Would definitely need in-person inspection.

Yes, where the stripes meet on the hood / fascia are about a 1/16th off and where the driver side corner of the hood meets the fascia is angled and seem unusual??? I understand the car is hand built and gaps can vary, but usually the stripes line up and the gaps aren't angled like that. I've been looking for a super clean, low mile, low owner 96 for some time. Not sure about this one.

[JimJoeBob]

As a 96 owner who has gone through two rear main seals (a "certified" dodge viper tech mis-installed the first one...only god knows how. The one time I pay someone to do the work, of course) and a timing cover gasket change, it is nothing to overly concern yourself about. The rear main seal leak can show fresh oil on the transmission, the skid plate, the passenger side frame rails and quite possibly the bottom of the starter. The oil gets flung everywhere, at least in both of my instances.

The timing cover leak will most likely show older caked on oil around the timing cover and whatever components are below the leak. Fresh oil will be shown in the front bottom half of the engine, working its way to the rear of the oil pan as the car gets driven. Leaky PCV rubber can also be mistaken for a timing cover leak, so be sure to try to differentiate the two.

Both repairs are easy with the right person behind the wrench. They are also quite common on the 96's, so like I said, don't fret them too much and you will run into them.

An update to the redesigned (aluminum vs the old plastic) oil pan gasket is also recommended, if you can still source one. Super easy to change.

This lifts my spirits. I'm not the brightest but my personal mechanical ability is good enough to get by with most things so this seems like a thing I can do myself.