They have an impressive rigid frame from the factory, lots of torque, plus allow for big tires, so they really kick some butt on the track. Running with or past c5/c6's should be expected with equal mods.

Every gen offered improvements, so newer is arguably better. With that said, I personally would pass on a gen 1 or a gen 3 car... but that's just me. I have two forged GTS's, a street car and a track car. I wouldn't trade the street car, but if money were no object, I'd rather have a gen 4 ACR for the track... but that's just too much money for me to enjoy myself while thrashing around on the track with it.

All around, I personally think the gen 2 GTS is the car to have. They have the sexiest body and seem to hold their value well compared to the others. Even though these cars are aging, they still draw crowds everywhere. The gen 1's dont do much for me in the looks dept. The gen 3's get mistaken for a vette way to often, and gen 4's are still coming down in price too rapidly. So to me, the gen 2 is the car to buy.



500whp is very easily doable NA. 700 is about the NA limit with these things, and at that you're talking $$$.

Boosted factory forged engines are best left at 800rwhp or less if you want it to live a nice long life. Non forged engines I wouldn't personally push past 650rwhp on a regular basis.

Built forged engines with turbos, well the sky is pretty much the limit.

 

If I got a Viper my license plate surround would say 8 Liters No Waiting!

 

One note about the Viper, its exclusivity! How many freaking vetts do you see on the road (even Z06's) in a given day compared to a Viper? It's like ho hum another vette with a d-bag, equipt with receding hairline and gold chain at the wheel compared to holy $hit, a f*ck!ng Viper!

 

That is what almost swayed me, but where I live you can't put your blinker on without running into something expensive or exotic. Also I am on the big side which makes the seats a little on the tight side.

 

Are there certain years that the engine came from the factory forged?

On a '96-'96 what mods would be needed to get above 500 whp without boosting?

Such good info in this thread, thanks again guys!

 

I think across the board, all Viper motors are have strong internals enough to handle forced induction if done correctly!

 

96-99 have forged rods AND pistons, 00-02 have forged rods and cast pistons. If your staying NA either will be fine. If your boosting and you don't wanna build the motor you'll need a 96-99 if you don't wanna worry about it down the road.

to get a 96-99 to 500 rwhp you'll need every bolt on available. I have them all but have never dyno'd the car. I would guess I'm pretty close.

If you wanna do a head/cam package then you can get very close to 600rwhp.

 

They can be nasty N/A but FI is going to get you a good reliable 700 rwhp on pump gas..................a nasty enough car for most!

 

Plus the P-car is a MUCH more enjoyable ride.

 

Agreed. I've got a 996 now and it's a pleasure to drive. If I do a Viper it won't be a daily driver, it'll be a "fun time" car.


germeezy1, 700 rwhp is more than enough for me!!

 

I don't know if I would say its more enjoyable, it depends on who is driving the car. Me I consider the 996 pretty sedate stock, and find the Viper much more thrilling to drive. Something about little to no driver aids and the brutality of 8 liters or more that rolls my socks up and down.

 

Well covered. If FI is in the cards, I'd highly recommend getting a 96-99 car, or plan on a total rebuild with all the goodies.

NA, these cars can still be really nasty, especially with H&C, headers, etc.




Enjoyable? In who's eyes??? It's like comparing a new mustang to an old AC Cobra. In some regards the two can be compared, but in refinement the new car is leaps and bounds ahead and has a much nicer ride. I suppose in this regard it's more enjoyable. With that said, take an AC Cobra for a cruise next to a new Mustang and watch people drive over the Mustang to check out the AC Cobra!

I have two 911 turbos and there's no comparison to either of my Vipers when it comes to the smiles per mile... from me or on-lookers!




Agreed. Add TT's and then multiply this x100!

 

Smiles per mile....well put.

Man you guys have me sold on a 96-99, possibly boosted. I've found both TT and SC for sale!! Just need to off load the p-car first.

 

No, no, no... Keep both.

 

What are some juicy mods to do to a 4th gen 08 viper? I have a friend who just did cat delete he hardly noticed teh power difference. Anything else recommended without spending too much?