Dodge Viper (second generation, SR II) buying guide

The GTS coupe was the only second-gen car in 1996. The RT/10 roadster followed in 1997, and both stayed on sale until the third-generation cars arrived in 2003. Dodge also built 1996 RT/10s known as Gen 1.5, which mix old and new mechanicals and chassis construction and are not true second-gen cars. Our first-generation guide covers the earlier cars.

Changes were steady. The RT/10 got an air inlet hood in 1998, when a tubular stainless header design that was 24 pounds lighter arrived. Power mirrors and an improved interior came in 1999. ABS was added to every car for 2001, and Hagerty calls the 2002 GTS the most developed of the series. Hagerty also notes that cars without ABS are known to lock the right front in panic braking, so look at 2001 or later if you want it.

Engines changed too. The 1996 to 1999 cars have forged internals and the 708 cam, a good base for forced induction. From 2000 to 2002 they have cast pistons, fast bleed lifters and a milder cam that is less friendly to boost. If you plan to add power, that favors the earlier cars.

The ACR coupe arrived in 1999, about 60 pounds lighter than the GTS, with air conditioning and audio deleted unless the Comfort Group is ordered, plus BBS wheels and a five-point harness. The GT2 Championship Edition is the rarest second-gen car, with only 102 built in 1998. Hagerty's second guide says the blue-and-white 1996 and 1997 GTS coupes are the most in demand. The 1997 RT/10 is the hardest to find, with 114 built. Browse used Viper listings, or the RT/10 market and GTS market pages.

The faults below come mostly from DrivingLine and Driving.ca, and several trace back to heat.

Plastic power steering pulley

The original plastic pulley can crack or come apart with little or no warning, according to DrivingLine. Billet aluminum replacement kits are available.

Power steering cap fire risk

The reservoir cap can work loose or crack. A cap that lands near the manifolds can start an under-hood fire.

Catalytic converter heat

Hagerty says the stock converters generate huge heat and need attention. DrivingLine adds that the heat around the side sills, where the converters sit, commonly bubbles the paint.

Overheating

Some owners report overheating, especially in high ambient temperatures or sustained heavy-throttle driving, Driving.ca says, though many have had no trouble. Cross-contaminated oil and coolant could point to a head-gasket problem.

Door hinge wear

Hinges wear from people levering themselves in and out, and the door then drops or drags on the sill. DrivingLine calls it a pricey repair.

Throw-out bearing noise

A noise through the floor near the driver's feet can mean a worn throw-out bearing. The fix is a new clutch.

Unassisted braking

Cars before 2001 have no ABS, and Hagerty reports lockup of the right front in panic stops. It is a trait of the car as built, not a wear fault.

The engine takes 8.5 quarts of 10w-30 synthetic oil, and DrivingLine notes the drain plug sits low enough that an oil change means raising the whole car. Driving.ca says the rear differential needs regular oil changes using the correct gear oil and an exact measure of friction modifier.

The sources we read give no service price figures. Expect the larger bills to come from hinges, a hood or a clutch, which sources describe as pricey or very expensive. Hagerty warns that low sales numbers make repairs harder, so ask a specialist about parts before you commit.

Buy a 2001 or 2002 car if you want ABS and the most developed Viper. Hagerty calls the 2002 GTS the most developed of the series. Choose a 1996 to 1999 car if you want forged internals and a boost-friendly cam, and accept the lack of ABS. Check the price guide before you shop.

Skip any car with an unexplained cooling history, a cracked hood or missing recall work on the crossmember. Insist on a Viper-trained inspection, and on proof the steering pulley and differential oil have been dealt with.