I really want a Gen2 viper.

2011 gtcs

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My two favorite cars have always been Shelby GT500s and Dodge Vipers. I've always loved the 96 to 02 GTS Vipers. Still to this day I think they're the best looking vipers of them all. I've owned 4 GT500s and I still love my current one. But man I've been really wanting a viper lately. I'm just worried if I did sell my 14 GT500 to buy a Gen2 viper I'd regret it. Maybe I'm wrong. Any of you guys own a Gen2 viper? Are they reliable or are they constant headaches? I have to imagine even stock they're a blast to drive. Never driven one and I don't really know anyone that owns one.
 

RedVenom48

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My two favorite cars have always been Shelby GT500s and Dodge Vipers. I've always loved the 96 to 02 GTS Vipers. Still to this day I think they're the best looking vipers of them all. I've owned 4 GT500s and I still love my current one. But man I've been really wanting a viper lately. I'm just worried if I did sell my 14 GT500 to buy a Gen2 viper I'd regret it. Maybe I'm wrong. Any of you guys own a Gen2 viper? Are they reliable or are they constant headaches? I have to imagine even stock they're a blast to drive. Never driven one and I don't really know anyone that owns one.
Steve, you really need to ask this? Of course you'll miss the 2014. You will never find another one like that, with the character and owner history.

Save for a Viper if you want it. DONT sell your 14.
 

2011 gtcs

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Steve, you really need to ask this? Of course you'll miss the 2014. You will never find another one like that, with the character and owner history.

Save for a Viper if you want it. DONT sell your 14.
That's kinda been my thoughts. Works been slow so all I've looking at is viper stuff lol. It would be a dream to own both.
 

GTSpartan

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Very raw, rough, and crude would describe a Gen 2 Viper. All endearing terms of course. You'll feel very alive every time you get in one and start it up. The car is bipolar, and will bite your ass real fast if you don't respect it. Zero nannies to bail you out, and the earlier gen 2's don't even have ABS. Even approaching ~25 yrs old, still gets massive attention everywhere you go. Low build numbers. Still a pretty fast car in stock form, and can be made stupid fast just like more modern cars. 3400# and 8L is a good recipe for potential.


VERY different from a modern sports/muscle car. IMO, not something you'll want to drive around in all the time. All around use-ability will be far below your GT500. Mechanically very reliable. Tough-as-nails drivetrain. Can fix it with a hammer and duct tape. Fit & finish not the greatest.

Worth trading your car for one? That's a personal question that only you can answer.
 
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ZYBORG

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The Gen 2 will be PAINFULLY slow compared to your 14, unless you are ready to sink some good money into it. They are cool AF tho.

Would not trade a 14 for it, unless I was going to mod the hell out of one.
 

2011 gtcs

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The Gen 2 will be PAINFULLY slow compared to your 14, unless you are ready to sink some good money into it. They are cool AF tho.

Would not trade a 14 for it, unless I was going to mod the hell out of one.
Yeah if I got one I'd probably just do full exhaust and smooth tubes and call it a day. It would cost way to much money to make it as fast as my GT500. I just want one since I've never owned one.
 

GTSpartan

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Yeah if I got one I'd probably just do full exhaust and smooth tubes and call it a day. It would cost way to much money to make it as fast as my GT500. I just want one since I've never owned one.
You could have 600RWHP NA for less than you are probably thinking. Similar to the vette, makes for a pretty respectable P:W. Throw some N20 at it if you want to get a little crazy.
 

L8APEX

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My cousin has a strait piped '98 GTS. Fixes the heat in the cabin/doors from the cats cooking under the door seals.
At idle it sounds like a John Deere, but at full throttle it sounds like a T-Rex with blue balls.
My turbo coyote tries to kill me more subtilty, trying to catch me when I'm not paying attention, but only when I'm pushing it. Like a rattlesnake, it lets you know when you get too close and if you let up it won't bite.
The viper is notifying your next of kin when you start it.
giphy.gif


I'd hold onto the GT500, and add a Viper to the collection later on.
 

noco5.0

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Can't comment on a Gen 2 Viper, but I can comment on getting rid of a car you like to get something different. I did that last year when I sold my Hellcat after picking up a Boss 302. Love the Boss, but miss the Hellcat and am looking for a replacement as we speak. I would get the Viper when you are in a position to keep both.
 

2011 gtcs

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You could have 600RWHP NA for less than you are probably thinking. Similar to the vette, makes for a pretty respectable P:W. Throw some N20 at it if you want to get a little crazy.
I need to learn more about what performance options you can do with the Gen2s. I have zero interest in adding nitrous to one. If and whenever I get one, it'll probably just be a fun weekend cruiser. The GT500 is the highway monster.
My cousin has a strait piped '98 GTS. Fixes the heat in the cabin/doors from the cats cooking under the door seals.
At idle it sounds like a John Deere, but at full throttle it sounds like a T-Rex with blue balls.
My turbo coyote tries to kill me more subtilty, trying to catch me when I'm not paying attention, but only when I'm pushing it. Like a rattlesnake, it lets you know when you get too close and if you let up it won't bite.
The viper is notifying your next of kin when you start it.
View attachment 1640563

I'd hold onto the GT500, and add a Viper to the collection later on.
I've heard the Gen2s with full stright pipe exhaust and they sound pissed off all the time lol. That's exactly what I would do if I get one. I think the only thing I'm really worried about is buying that's been neglected. But I'll probably pay for a pre purchase inspection.
Can't comment on a Gen 2 Viper, but I can comment on getting rid of a car you like to get something different. I did that last year when I sold my Hellcat after picking up a Boss 302. Love the Boss, but miss the Hellcat and am looking for a replacement as we speak. I would get the Viper when you are in a position to keep both.
Yeah I think everyone is spot on, keep the GT500 and just be patient, Gen2 vipers are always going to be for sale and eventually I'll buy one.
 

musclefan21

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You simply CANNOT beat that looks of viper. Gt500 will put a smile on your face everytime you get on the throttle but that looks of viper? Oh man, viper all day long. Someday I will own one
 

ShelbyGT5HUN

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Good advice. I learned a long time ago, "you bought xyz car, for a reason". I have sold cars to buy other cars, but I really miss some of them now. My strategy now is, to hold on to all my cars, and not sell one to buy another. Once one is paid off, I start looking for the next one. I will have a car payment forever, but so what! Trying to be a "Mini Jay Leno", and collect them. This only applies to my "collectible" cars, not my DD's. Something like a 2014 GT500, that's in good shape, I'd never sell that!
Can't comment on a Gen 2 Viper, but I can comment on getting rid of a car you like to get something different. I did that last year when I sold my Hellcat after picking up a Boss 302. Love the Boss, but miss the Hellcat and am looking for a replacement as we speak. I would get the Viper when you are in a position to keep both.
 

gimmie11s

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I’ll be odd man out and say a Viper has never really excited me. Not sure why.

No way in hell I’d sell your 14 500 for a 2nd gen.


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MinGrey02Stg2

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A good buddy of mine has an '01 ACR and a '96 B&W and like others have said, there's nothing like a Viper in terms of looks. You will absolutely be fine with the power of a Gen 2 and while everyone says they're widow makers and hard to handle without traction control, they aren't bad. The interiors are very basic and that's probably the only downside. Parts availability isn't the best, but they are definitely very simple, easy cars to work on. Oil changes are a breeze and the reliability is great... just a regular ol' OHV V10.

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SHOdown220

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The first car I ever fell in love with at first sight was a blue/white stripe GTS, I still remember sitting in the back seat of my dads car staring at one stuck in traffic beside us, I must have been around 8 years old. 24 years later I still love the look of them. I will own one, whether or not my wife agrees lol
 

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