Advice for newbie on 1997 GTS Venom 650R

[GTS_venom]

Hi all,
I am in a process of purchasing 1997 GTS Venom 650R. Besides Dyno and general inspection what are some do the things to look for on that car? What are some of the common problems? What are the things that can be done besides Dyno to confirm which parts of the 650R package got installed and are still there? I have never owned a viper so I will be curious to hear from any other Hennessy owners their experience of owning the car.

Thank you!
-G.

[GTS Dean]

The early HMS Venoms were pretty stout. I think the 650s (maybe 700s?) were 514 strokers, so you should be able to pull the pan and windage tray to see aftermarket rods and pistons. Pull a valve cover and expect to see roller rockers and big pushrods. If you can compare stock valve springs to what you see and it's different, that is a sign the heads may actually have been milled and ported like they advertised.

Fair warning to you though - later on, there were quite a few underbuilt cars that had full bolt-on treatment - TB's, exhaust, rockers, full big tube exhaust and maybe a big cam that had virtually NO bottom end work done. Dyno sheets were faked without remorse.

[GTS_venom]

Thank you! I am definitely doing a Dyno to make sure that it is the real deal. Is it normal for the sign inside to say 650R yet the valve cover to say venom 600?

[99RT10]

Thank you! I am definitely doing a Dyno to make sure that it is the real deal. Is it normal for the sign inside to say 650R yet the valve cover to say venom 600?

Uh, no.

[GTS_venom]

I was afraid this might be a red flag. Can anybody with 650R share some info please? What should the venom engraving on the valve cover say? Besides front facia, wing and sign inside how else can one confirm if this is an original 650R? Thank you

[Camfab]

Just curious if you’re aware of this company’s reputation in the Viper world? I realize from the magazine world these cars have been touted as the ultimate cars. Not saying it’s not possible to get a good car, just a warning as a newbie you’re just increasing your odds of getting a car with issues. Do yourself a favor and have a Reputable Viper shop check the car out. If you’re on the West Coast a guy like Dan Craigin would be your best bet.

[plumcrazy]

listen to camfab !

[GTS_venom]

I appreciate the feedback. That is my plan ... I found a shop that specializes in vipers only and will have them check it out to make sure it is not a lemon.