Thank you for the info, I've heard of vipers burning down due to P/S leaks on the headers so that's good info. And I kinda figured a 450hp stock viper would be easier to drive than a 800hp GT500. I'm with you on the looks of the GTS, I think they're one best looking cars of all time, that's just my opinion.I've had my Gen2 GTS for 4 years now.
It's an extremely reliable car even for it's age.
What you MUST do is:
Change powersteering pulley to aluminium one
Change powersteering bracket
Add a fuel hose to powersteering pump air vent hole so if it squirts, it doesn't squirt on the headers
Check the A-arms for hairline cracks
And every year you need to change oil.
That's about it.
It's the most reliable car I've ever had, it's tons of fun to drive and it's wonderful to just look at. It's one of the worlds most beautiful cars in my opinion, very few cars come close to it.
In my opinion I see no reality where a GT500 is more fun than a Viper.
Stock replacement parts are fairly cheap.
Performance parts will definetly make your pockets bleed.
And don't listen to others, they're easy to drive.
If you can handle your GT500 at WOT you'll think a Viper is a childs play. They're not difficult in any way in comparision to a Mustang. I've not driven a GT500 but a whippled Terminator and that is a handful to say the least, the Viper is way easier than that.