New member with Viper questions
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
New member with Viper questions
Hello, I'm currently saving up for a down payment on a 1st generation RT10 Viper. I'm hoping to find one under 28k. Looks like according to production numbers, 1994 will be the easiest.
What issues should I look for when I'm ready? From what I understand the coolent system isn't the greatest to support a V10.
Are the 1st gens underrated? I've just heard that they have more then 400 hp stock then they advertise.
What issues should I look for when I'm ready? From what I understand the coolent system isn't the greatest to support a V10.
Are the 1st gens underrated? I've just heard that they have more then 400 hp stock then they advertise.
Admin formally known as 94rt10ohio
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 9,025
Likes: 3
From: Curtice, OH
RE: New member with Viper questions
If you look long enough you can find one for under 28K. It will be a higher milage, a motivated seller or a salvage (there are lots of those so be careful). You may want to try for 32-35K, for that you can get a low milage very good condition, straight, car.
Head gaskets. They were bad from the factory and will eventually need replaced if not done so already, and the cost for the gaskets, a minor $800+. That is just the gaskets, no labor in the price!!
Power streeing should be vented. There has been cases where under heavy accelleration it can blow the cap and spays fluid causing a fire.
The grey fuzzy dash paint is not available and most dashes look bad by now. Just a FYI there.
Shifter should be upgraded.
I have never had a cooling issue. They do run hot, but that is normal. But if I lived in AZ or TX I may be worried.
Side sill corrusion. You can have them repaired. You can also buy aftermarket fiberglass sills for about $1000, that is what I did, well actually I bought some used glass ones and repaired those.
I am not sure about the underrated thing. I know stock they are 4.6 0-60 and mid 12s in the quarter. You can get easy HP with intake changes (filters and tubes) and exhaust. The CATs are a big restriction and also hold a lotofheat. I recommend removing the cats if you can stand the smell, if not go with high flows. Roe Racing is a great source for Viper upgrades.
Head gaskets. They were bad from the factory and will eventually need replaced if not done so already, and the cost for the gaskets, a minor $800+. That is just the gaskets, no labor in the price!!
Power streeing should be vented. There has been cases where under heavy accelleration it can blow the cap and spays fluid causing a fire.
The grey fuzzy dash paint is not available and most dashes look bad by now. Just a FYI there.
Shifter should be upgraded.
I have never had a cooling issue. They do run hot, but that is normal. But if I lived in AZ or TX I may be worried.
Side sill corrusion. You can have them repaired. You can also buy aftermarket fiberglass sills for about $1000, that is what I did, well actually I bought some used glass ones and repaired those.
I am not sure about the underrated thing. I know stock they are 4.6 0-60 and mid 12s in the quarter. You can get easy HP with intake changes (filters and tubes) and exhaust. The CATs are a big restriction and also hold a lotofheat. I recommend removing the cats if you can stand the smell, if not go with high flows. Roe Racing is a great source for Viper upgrades.
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
RE: New member with Viper questions
Thanks man. My Mustang exhaust is the loudest 4.6 liter in town. Ford Racing shorty headers, Off road x pipe meaning no cats, and SLP loud mouth exhaust with 3.5 inch tips. Cat back doesn't even have mufflers just resonators. So I'm used to loud stuff. Thanks on the advice too. I don't mine the viper having up to 60k miles.