Thoughts on engine modifications for future value of Gen V

[SGViper]

I've been shopping for a Gen V for a little while and have been debating cars with engine mods such as a 9.0 Prefix modification. Any thoughts on how this may affect future value? It is always nice to have a little more performance but don't know how these are looked at by the viper community. It would make sense that the people engine modding are doing it for an intended purpose. Looks like a 9.0 modification can be performed with no aesthetic changes. Does not seem like a big deal now but I was happy to buy a 2001 Gen II ACR that is bone stock and super clean. Thanks for any input.

[Mikey]

I've been shopping for a Gen V for a little while and have been debating cars with engine mods such as a 9.0 Prefix modification. Any thoughts on how this may affect future value? It is always nice to have a little more performance but don't know how these are looked at by the viper community. It would make sense that the people engine modding are doing it for an intended purpose. Looks like a 9.0 modification can be performed with no aesthetic changes. Does not seem like a big deal now but I was happy to buy a 2001 Gen II ACR that is bone stock and super clean. Thanks for any input.

I would say they'll be easier to move but not necessarily raise the value. I personally would rather buy an already modded car than doing it myself, but others want one that's all original

[Martin]

It all depends on whether the buyer wants those mods or not. Some things like exhaust are a no brainer as long as the original owner kept all the original parts. Expensive modifications probably won't increase the value much - but might be looked at by a purchaser as a good deal. I've seen Vipers with $50k in modifications go for the same price as a stock car in the past.

If you can find the car you want, and it's at the right price, the modifications can be a bonus.

I personally only look at cars that are bone stock these days - unless they have exactly what I want and I'm getting the modifications for 90% off what they cost to do.

[PkB2014]

if it's some random guy that lists the car and says "personally built by myself, <list of mods>, makes XX power to the wheels, etc..." I'm not touching it unless i know them personally and know what the quality of the work that was done. If it's a known Builder, i.e. Calvo, Nth Moto, Prefix, etc. then i'd be interested but i wouldn't pay a premium.

[Lawineer]

From what I've seen, it doesn't decrease value, but it doesn't increase it much. Now if you do something like a 1500hp TT kit, yeah, it will increase the value, but nowhere near what went into it. Be lucky to see 20 cents on the dollar increase.

[Scott_in_fl]

From what I've seen, it doesn't decrease value, but it doesn't increase it much. Now if you do something like a 1500hp TT kit, yeah, it will increase the value, but nowhere near what went into it. Be lucky to see 20 cents on the dollar increase.

I agree with this. I'd add that if you're keeping a low mile or wrapper car, then keeping it bone stock maximizes your future value prospects. But if you intend to use the car, then selling a 10k or 20k mile car 10 years from now is not going to see much difference whether it was modded or not. Maybe a 5% difference.

But then there are mods and there are mods. A Prefix HC or 9L installed by a known shop is a desirable mod. Anything Calvo is for sure. Others may not be because you just don't know what the reliability will be like.

If you like to mod your car, then you should do it. Life is to be enjoyed. If you own a Viper, you are one of the lucky few.

[efnfast]

From what I've seen, it doesn't decrease value, but it doesn't increase it much. Now if you do something like a 1500hp TT kit, yeah, it will increase the value, but nowhere near what went into it. Be lucky to see 20 cents on the dollar increase.

20% is stretching it ... 10% is more likely.

I recently picked up a 2001 w/ big brakes, new gears, built stroker motor, paxton, HREs, and a whole bunch of other stuff .... paid ~$7k over what bone stock ones were going for. For once 'mods don't add value' worked in my favor!

[Aevus]

Bottomline; better keep it once modded

[Mikey]

20% is stretching it ... 10% is more likely.

I recently picked up a 2001 w/ big brakes, new gears, built stroker motor, paxton, HREs, and a whole bunch of other stuff .... paid ~$7k over what bone stock ones were going for. For once 'mods don't add value' worked in my favor!

I'd maybe pay 20 maybe 30 over for the right modded gen 5, but yeah, definitely not getting your money back

[ViperGeorge]

Mods are only worth it to the buyer if they really want those mods. Prior to deciding to upgrade my ACR/TA to 9 liters I was going to buy an ACR with the 9 liter already installed. About two years ago I came across a Blue/White ACR with the 9 liter extreme, diff/tran cooler, Nth moto clutch, and low miles. I contacted the seller whose name I got from a friend. The car was on consignment but he agreed to sell me the car once the consignment contract ended. He figured there was no way it would sell in the meantime for the consignment company's price. He was going to sell it to me at what he would have gotten from the consignment sale - $165,000. The current asking price was $185,000.

Car was kept in a temperature controlled garage inside a bubble. It was beautiful. I waited the remaining 4 weeks on his contract when he called me to say the car had sold at asking. I shouldn't have waited. I should have just bought the car at $185,000. Afterwards I was devastated so I decided to upgrade my ACR/TA figuring that with its mileage it wouldn't be worth a bunch anyway. Probably a mistake given that an ACR/TA is for sale in Charlotte for $349,900.

[commandomatt]

Won’t necessarily lower the value if it has been done by a reputable shop as mentioned above but your buying pool would be greatly reduced as there are only a few looking for a modified car

I would wager that those telling you that it’s a good idea and will do ok when/if reselling, have a modded car themselves.

I also agree with the 10% return if that.

Quality mods are very expensive. You better to it for yourself and not worry about future value……..or buy two of them !!