WTB: 2nd Generation RT/10 or GTS

[HardHitter]

You may have seen my post on the other Viper forums, but since my search is very specific, I thought I'd post across all forums in hopes that someone may be able to help out.

I have searched country wide on Craigslist, eBay and Autotrader but I've seen a decent amount of owners actually buy from owners on the forums so I wanted to have this WTB ad for anyone that may want to sell and/or know someone who wants to sell. I understand the budget may be limiting, but I believe the right car is out there.

I am only interested in the following:

Years: 1997 - 1999 only
Model: RT/10 or GTS
Exterior Color: Black, Blue/White
Interior Color: Black (no cognac)
Mileage: No preference so long that it is well maintained and documentation to support that if higher mileage
Mods: Lightly modified such as headers/exhaust/wheels/suspension. Car can be stock as well.
Budget: Would like to keep it around $35K

Thank you all as I search for my dream!

[ViperJames]

Hello, you will definintely find a car in your price range. An RT/10 will definitely be easier to find for that price thats good and needs very little. I sold my 2001 RT/10 for $30K 1.5 Years ago which was mechanically perfect (maintainted by the Viper Wizard) and it was in showroom condition interior/exterior. Your issue will be the Blue/White combo as most of these are GTS 96-97(most sought after GEN 2 car), only a handful were made in 97 as RT/10s, and those are going to go for as much as a GTS. But I think you can easily find a Black on Black 99 RT/10 for your price range, and a GTS if you get lucky which is very possible....the deals are out there, also check out Cars.com I had found quite a few there which were not on all the other sites... Good luck!

[Rosie]

our club president ,joe mori has a 1996 blue stripes on white r/t for sale,30,700 price,45000 miles in the classified section under gen, 2,joe is in conway,n.h.

[HardHitter]

Thank you for the kind words. I think I needed to better clarify that for the blue on white stripes, I am looking at the GTS model for that color combination. I know it is the most desired but as you've all said, the ideal car will come around.

[XSnake]

Thank you for the kind words. I think I needed to better clarify that for the blue on white stripes, I am looking at the GTS model for that color combination. I know it is the most desired but as you've all said, the ideal car will come around.

There's over 600 B/W cars so it shouldn't be hard to locate one.

[HardHitter]

There's over 600 B/W cars so it shouldn't be hard to locate one.

That's what I thought haha. There is a pretty good scarcity of them right now it seems. Or they are all asking $45-$50k

[Indy]

There is a pretty good scarcity of them right now it seems. Or they are all asking $45-$50k

You will find that the prices are all going up on the Gen2 Vipers, and Spring time is always a bit more expensive anyways - but if higher mileage Vipers are ok, then you might find the right one for the right price. Good luck! BTW, just so you know, the RT10 models got all the GTS features like the 450hp engine and the hood louvres starting with 1997 - the 1996 rt10s had 415 hp.

[HardHitter]

You will find that the prices are all going up on the Gen2 Vipers, and Spring time is always a bit more expensive anyways - but if higher mileage Vipers are ok, then you might find the right one for the right price. Good luck! BTW, just so you know, the RT10 models got all the GTS features like the 450hp engine and the hood louvres starting with 1997 - the 1996 rt10s had 415 hp.

Good to know Indy. I thought the 1996, the year Gen 2 was introduced, that the RT/10 and GTS were similar other than the body. I'll update my search. The other thing that I had a question on is both the RT/10 and GTS,, from 1997-1999 have the 708 cam correct? Per the Viper Registry, in 1998, it says there was a camshaft change but no one seems to know what kind of change there was.

[Indy]

Yes, you are correct with the 708 cam. GTS 1996-1999 and RT10 1997-1999 had the aggressive 708 cam and the forged internals. Starting with 2000, they had a different cam to make it sound a bit more civilized and no more forged internals :) The 2000+ are therefore called by some "creampuffs", although they are just as mean :) Horsepower is the same though at 450 even with the less aggressive cam. The interior also got a few changes starting with 1999, like a textured dash, different door handles, electric mirrors.

[HardHitter]

Yes, you are correct with the 708 cam. GTS 1996-1999 and RT10 1997-1999 had the aggressive 708 cam and the forged internals. Starting with 2000, they had a different cam to make it sound a bit more civilized and no more forged internals :) The 2000+ are therefore called by some "creampuffs", although they are just as mean :) Horsepower is the same though at 450 even with the less aggressive cam. The interior also got a few changes starting with 1999, like a textured dash, different door handles, electric mirrors.

Thanks for the clarification Indy. I knew the cam/forged internals stopped after the 1999 production year which is why I limited my search to those years. Sadly, a lot of the cars I've seen are 2000+ cars. I wouldn't mind the midnight blue GTS, but those didn't become available until after 1999. Oh well, I'll just wait until that perfect car comes around. No need to rush anything.

[My98RT10]

Just to correct some minor information regarding the roadster (call me picky ;-)): louvers in the Hood were introduced in MY1998 (1997 MY Roadster still came with the Gen1 type of Hood), also textured dash was introduced for the Roadster in 1998.

[ViperJames]

Good to know Indy. I thought the 1996, the year Gen 2 was introduced, that the RT/10 and GTS were similar other than the body. I'll update my search. The other thing that I had a question on is both the RT/10 and GTS,, from 1997-1999 have the 708 cam correct? Per the Viper Registry, in 1998, it says there was a camshaft change but no one seems to know what kind of change there was.

Just a correction on the 1996 RT/10. This car is completely different from the 1996 GTS and completely different than the 1997 RT/10. The 96 RT/10 is more of a GEN 1.5... It still has the GEN 1 Fascia, GEN 1 "smooth" hood, GEN 1 windows (which slide into place- NO actual up and down windows), the only attributes really it has of the GEN 2 is the rear exit exhaust. Furthermore and least important the HP on this car is 415. in 1997 the RT/10 moved up to the GTS level with 450HP power windows, and GEN 2 parts. The car you are looking for is defintely not a 1996 RT/10 based on your description. The 1996 RT/10 Mentioned by ROSIE is what I am referring to about a GEN 1.5 and and hence the price being low as well. The only stock White with Blue racing stripes you woudl want is the GTS-R which you won't touch for less than $80K super rare car....

Lastly are you only limiting yourself to 1999 due to the forged internals? The only reason i can see this decision is if you want to supercharge/turbo charge the motor down the line....

[HardHitter]

Just a correction on the 1996 RT/10. This car is completely different from the 1996 GTS and completely different than the 1997 RT/10. The 96 RT/10 is more of a GEN 1.5... It still has the GEN 1 Fascia, GEN 1 "smooth" hood, GEN 1 windows (which slide into place- NO actual up and down windows), the only attributes really it has of the GEN 2 is the rear exit exhaust. Furthermore and least important the HP on this car is 415. in 1997 the RT/10 moved up to the GTS level with 450HP power windows, and GEN 2 parts. The car you are looking for is defintely not a 1996 RT/10 based on your description. The 1996 RT/10 Mentioned by ROSIE is what I am referring to about a GEN 1.5 and and hence the price being low as well. The only stock White with Blue racing stripes you woudl want is the GTS-R which you won't touch for less than $80K super rare car....

Lastly are you only limiting yourself to 1999 due to the forged internals? The only reason i can see this decision is if you want to supercharge/turbo charge the motor down the line....

The reason why the 99 is because I want to have the forged internals and 708 idle. I don't plan on adding FI to the car in the immediate future, but I like having the option of not needing to necessary touch the motor if I do want to.

RT/10 - 1999 year only as black is the only color I'd want
GTS - 1996 - 1997 years for the blue/white, 1999 for black

If I end up searching for 6+ months and can't find anything, then I'd be willing to leave the 1997-1999 year range, and start going into the 2000+ models and including the Sapphire Blue and Steel Grey colors.

For now, I'm very specific to those identified above though.

[ViperJames]

The reason why the 99 is because I want to have the forged internals and 708 idle. I don't plan on adding FI to the car in the immediate future, but I like having the option of not needing to necessary touch the motor if I do want to.

RT/10 - 1999 year only as black is the only color I'd want
GTS - 1996 - 1997 years for the blue/white, 1999 for black

If I end up searching for 6+ months and can't find anything, then I'd be willing to leave the 1997-1999 year range, and start going into the 2000+ models and including the Sapphire Blue and Steel Grey colors.

For now, I'm very specific to those identified above though.

You gotta go with what you want seriously. Don't settle because you will be sad you did down the road. I finally got what i always wanted last month a 2000 Steel Grey GTS. Now I can never go to a car show and see another Viper that I "wish" i bought. The 99 black is not going to be a super difficult task especially if you are okay with RT/10. Good luck and keep us posted! If i find anything in my searches i will let you know.

[XSnake]

Or they are all asking $45-$50k

As they should be

[VoodooRob]

^^^^^ What he said

[gerch85]

I just got my black 99 GTS two weeks ago, it was 40k plus shipping. its super clean inside and out with some mods. good luck finding your viper, it took me a little while, and also fyi i never considered a black viper until i saw this one.

[HardHitter]

I just got my black 99 GTS two weeks ago, it was 40k plus shipping. its super clean inside and out with some mods. good luck finding your viper, it took me a little while, and also fyi i never considered a black viper until i saw this one.

Are you just trying to rub it in?!?! Haha just kidding. Congrats on picking your car up. If it is the GTS that is in your signature, then from the looks of it, I wouldn't mind paying $40k for a car like that. Are you able to post details of the mods and maybe a larger pic of it? It'd be nice to see what is out there and how much they go for to make sure I price the market right.

From what I've seen, I've seen two built GTS cars with around 30-40 miles on it, and the owners are asking $45k. I've also seen basically stock GTS cars going for the same amount. I think I'll be able to find what I want, it'll just take time as you've all noted.

[HardHitter]

To the top and still looking!

[slitherv10]

When you look for bargain basement bonanza prices , you usually end up with one.

Be careful. Your better off spending good money on a well cared for documented and straight forward car then a stories filled, this and that car for a few thousand cheaper.

You do get what you pay for these days. I sold my 96 GTS B/W fully documented, window sticker, bill of sale, mats still in the box, all paper work and with only 14K miles on it last summer for 50K and the new owner had to put another 10K into it to get it road worthy and daily drive the car as I had it as a collector and only put a few miles on it a year to keep the fluids circulating and joints lubricated. Still he ad to put all that money into it.

Sometimes what you need and what you want are two totally different scenarios.

Good luck in your search and keep an open mind when looking at cars. B/W's should get a premium over others, if its not, then I would double check the car over.

[HardHitter]

When you look for bargain basement bonanza prices , you usually end up with one.

Be careful. Your better off spending good money on a well cared for documented and straight forward car then a stories filled, this and that car for a few thousand cheaper.

You do get what you pay for these days. I sold my 96 GTS B/W fully documented, window sticker, bill of sale, mats still in the box, all paper work and with only 14K miles on it last summer for 50K and the new owner had to put another 10K into it to get it road worthy and daily drive the car as I had it as a collector and only put a few miles on it a year to keep the fluids circulating and joints lubricated. Still he ad to put all that money into it.

Sometimes what you need and what you want are two totally different scenarios.

Good luck in your search and keep an open mind when looking at cars. B/W's should get a premium over others, if its not, then I would double check the car over.

Thank you for the feedback. Any car that I am going to be looking at will have a PPI done by a Viper specialist. Earlier in my search, I had already agreed on a price with the owner pending the PPI. The mechanic found a potential issue with the diff, as well as some minor flaws, but it was enough for me to walk away.

[RTTTTed]

One of the best choices is a 98 (with mags of 18 or 19" tires). up to 97 had cast iron exhaust manifolds, mostly Cast alum wheels with 97 starting Forged wheels. 1999 and newer came with 18" tires and forged wheels. Forged pistons until 1999 and a "lumpy camshaft - 708". 2000 had cast pistons (less strength but more hp) and a smoother cam (same duration but less overlap). 2000 also had a larger capacity oil pan. The 2001 started ABS brakes and decent sized rear calipers (44mm) whereas the rear calipers before 2001 were only 34mm sized and wouldn't lock up the rear wheels even in the rain, although the fronts locked up easily and had a tendency to flat spot the tires from high speed.

2001 also came out with the fastest of the Gen 2 computers and 97 was when the Gen 2s came with the Gen 2 computers. 96 GTS came with a much simpler PCM.

[HardHitter]

Right now, Im keeping an eye on a car on eBay, but still actively looking!

[ViperJames]

Right now, Im keeping an eye on a car on eBay, but still actively looking!
I saw that one too...on the surface looks like a steal definitely worth the investigation.

[gerch85]

sorry for the late response, here is the link from the place i got the car from, lots of pics and list of mods.

http://www.catsexotics.com/web/used/Dodge-Viper-1999-Lynnwood-Washington/1453588/

[GTSJoe]

You may have seen my post on the other Viper forums, but since my search is very specific, I thought I'd post across all forums in hopes that someone may be able to help out.

I have searched country wide on Craigslist, eBay and Autotrader but I've seen a decent amount of owners actually buy from owners on the forums so I wanted to have this WTB ad for anyone that may want to sell and/or know someone who wants to sell. I understand the budget may be limiting, but I believe the right car is out there.

I am only interested in the following:

Years: 1997 - 1999 only
Model: RT/10 or GTS
Exterior Color: Black, Blue/White
Interior Color: Black (no cognac)
Mileage: No preference so long that it is well maintained and documentation to support that if higher mileage
Mods: Lightly modified such as headers/exhaust/wheels/suspension. Car can be stock as well.
Budget: Would like to keep it around $35K

Thank you all as I search for my dream!

If you can wait until November 2014 you will find better deals. Never settle for anything less then the one you want. Prices are high now because summer is coming. Not one day have I regretted getting my 97 B/W even though ROE cars were available as were the "creampuff" years with ABS and 18's. After waiting 20 plus years a couple of months did not hurt.

[Darth Menace]

HardHitter- You have been collecting some good advice/info (in your thousands of threads on all of the viper sites). Where are you leaning now as far as year/color, etc?

[slitherv10]

Why not make a deal with Frankbarbra who is looking at giving his 8k miled 96 GTS b/W to a dealer for 50K. There is the post here labeled 1996. Contact him and try and make a deal for it before the dealer gets a hold of it and profits.

http://driveviper.com/forums/threads/3281-1996-gts

[HardHitter]

HardHitter- You have been collecting some good advice/info (in your thousands of threads on all of the viper sites). Where are you leaning now as far as year/color, etc?

I've made my selection and been looking for a 96/97 BW GTS or a 99 Black GTS


Why not make a deal with Frankbarbra who is looking at giving his 8k miled 96 GTS b/W to a dealer for 50K. There is the post here labeled 1996. Contact him and try and make a deal for it before the dealer gets a hold of it and profits.

http://driveviper.com/forums/threads/3281-1996-gts

I don't think he's going to drop into my price range. If someone is getting $50k for a Viper, and my budget is $35-$40k, I don't think he's going to drop $10k just to sell it to a enthusiast.

[Darth Menace]

Ya man...the Black won't be hard to find around your price range...why a 99? Just wait it out...I bought mine a few years ago in September (nearing end of season for many) for 31.7k with 18xxx miles. It is a red 98 which was pretty much near stock minus straight tubes/vipair intake