Viper Bodystyles
Discussion
Afternoon all,
Just trying to get my head around the bodystyle of the Viper models, I've done some digging online and can't seem to get to the bottom of it, although I imagine it's a simple one.
In the Gen 1 R/T era, there was this rear end:
Then with the Gen 2, this rear end:
But also this rear end seen on a GTS:
The Gen 3 has this rear:
But the Gen 3 also has this rear:
What denotes the difference in the rear end, specifically the wrap-around rear fender style which swoops to the rear lights?
I first thought it was to do with the model being a GTS, but evidently not as the latter are Gen 3 examples. I also thought it was to do with the coupe / roadster difference, but I've seen both versions of the Gen 3 rear end on both variants, so I'm none-the-wiser!
I'm sure my thoughts above are littered with errors, so please feel free to correct me
Thanks in advance...
Just trying to get my head around the bodystyle of the Viper models, I've done some digging online and can't seem to get to the bottom of it, although I imagine it's a simple one.
In the Gen 1 R/T era, there was this rear end:
Then with the Gen 2, this rear end:
But also this rear end seen on a GTS:
The Gen 3 has this rear:
But the Gen 3 also has this rear:
What denotes the difference in the rear end, specifically the wrap-around rear fender style which swoops to the rear lights?
I first thought it was to do with the model being a GTS, but evidently not as the latter are Gen 3 examples. I also thought it was to do with the coupe / roadster difference, but I've seen both versions of the Gen 3 rear end on both variants, so I'm none-the-wiser!
I'm sure my thoughts above are littered with errors, so please feel free to correct me
Thanks in advance...
From memory, so I stand to be corrected on finer details .........
Gen 1 and 2 look pretty much the same from the rear, although the Gen 2 will have rear exit exhausts. Gen 1 was only available as a roadster (RT/10) whereas Gen 2 from 1996 was available as a coupe (GTS) or RT/10.
To answer your questions on the Gen 3 (and Gen 4 as they are the same from the rear) the difference is the coupe has the 'wrapround' fenders and the convertible doesn't - as your pictures show. The Gen 3 / 4 cars are known as SRT10's, there is no 'GTS' version - it is simply an SRT10 coupe.
my car from the rear
|https://thumbsnap.com/AHQEpFN5[/url]
Any convertible that has the coupe rear end has been done aftermarket, several people have done it. There is/was a 'street serpent' convertible for sale for ages in the UK finished in grey, with the aforementioned rear end conversion and wide bodykit. I'm not sure who did these conversions, the advert suggested it was 1 of 9.
[url]
Gen 3 & 4 coupes also have the same (top) taillights as a gen 1 & 2
Obviously, Vipers coupe's were available with optional 'Aero' ie tall rear spoilers
Fatboy's (Marks) car
Random google image
You haven't mentioned Gen 5? so here's a pic for your pleasure
.........Gen 1 and 2 look pretty much the same from the rear, although the Gen 2 will have rear exit exhausts. Gen 1 was only available as a roadster (RT/10) whereas Gen 2 from 1996 was available as a coupe (GTS) or RT/10.
To answer your questions on the Gen 3 (and Gen 4 as they are the same from the rear) the difference is the coupe has the 'wrapround' fenders and the convertible doesn't - as your pictures show. The Gen 3 / 4 cars are known as SRT10's, there is no 'GTS' version - it is simply an SRT10 coupe.
my car from the rear
|https://thumbsnap.com/AHQEpFN5[/url]Any convertible that has the coupe rear end has been done aftermarket, several people have done it. There is/was a 'street serpent' convertible for sale for ages in the UK finished in grey, with the aforementioned rear end conversion and wide bodykit. I'm not sure who did these conversions, the advert suggested it was 1 of 9.
[url]Gen 3 & 4 coupes also have the same (top) taillights as a gen 1 & 2
Obviously, Vipers coupe's were available with optional 'Aero' ie tall rear spoilers
Fatboy's (Marks) car
Random google image
You haven't mentioned Gen 5? so here's a pic for your pleasure
Edited by sonicbloo on Friday 9th February 22:14
Thanks for the reply and of course the clarification!
I guess it was the fact I'd seen both Gen 3 and 4 models with the wraparound style rear fenders on both coupe and roadster variants, which had thrown me totally.
However if you're saying that this is only because roadster (vert) owners have at some point grafted on the coupe rear bumper, fenders etc then that makes sense
Yup, I've had my eye on that Serpent for a while, both sides of the water. Looks to have finally gone though now...
I guess it was the fact I'd seen both Gen 3 and 4 models with the wraparound style rear fenders on both coupe and roadster variants, which had thrown me totally.
However if you're saying that this is only because roadster (vert) owners have at some point grafted on the coupe rear bumper, fenders etc then that makes sense
Yup, I've had my eye on that Serpent for a while, both sides of the water. Looks to have finally gone though now...
Brilliant, good luck in your search. They're not easy to find though, 5 or 6 years ago Gen 3 converts came up for sale fairly regularly, but when I was looking in 2014/5 they seemed to be very few and far between. I was considering importing from Europe or the USA but I got lucky in the end, and got one 50 miles from me
edit: I'm guessing you already know, but Gen 4's have a slightly bigger engine, 8.4 vs 8.3, but more importantly, an extra 90 bhp and a better looking hood(bonnet) buy they will be even harder to find and are more expensive
edit: I'm guessing you already know, but Gen 4's have a slightly bigger engine, 8.4 vs 8.3, but more importantly, an extra 90 bhp and a better looking hood(bonnet) buy they will be even harder to find and are more expensive
Edited by sonicbloo on Saturday 10th February 12:52
Everything about that Challenger looks so right! Stance, wheels, hood - WOW !!!
As for me, I wanted every Viper that came out, changing my mind each time a new shape came along. It took 20+ years before I was in a position to buy - a 2 seater was always out of the question with having a family, but I had several Mustangs to feed my American car addiction.
I started looking and researching seriously in 2013. I was looking at Gen 2 GTS or Gen 3 convertibles which seemed to be around £30k at the time. Then I saw a Gen 3 coupe for sale at £39k, which dropped in price to £35k but I couldn't afford it - so I decided to bide my time and up my budget.
Late 2013 I saw a 2006 First Edition coupe for sale in Jersey, but this was priced far above what I had. I contacted the owner to ask questions and to see if my details could be passed on to the new owner so I could be offered first refusal in future, we exchanged emails a few times, but the car sold to an unknown party through a dealer. I found out through the PH forum it had gone to Dublin.
A year later, one came up for sale at a garage in Yorkshire, again the price was too much, but I went to look as it was probably the closest I was going to get to seeing one up close. When I found it was the same car I'd been following it seemed like fate!
Anyway, I put a cheeky offer in (£16k less than asking price) and after a bit of negotiations I got it for a fair price - (my wife may disagree with this last comment!) 3 years and 9000 miles later I still love it.
As for me, I wanted every Viper that came out, changing my mind each time a new shape came along. It took 20+ years before I was in a position to buy - a 2 seater was always out of the question with having a family, but I had several Mustangs to feed my American car addiction.
I started looking and researching seriously in 2013. I was looking at Gen 2 GTS or Gen 3 convertibles which seemed to be around £30k at the time. Then I saw a Gen 3 coupe for sale at £39k, which dropped in price to £35k but I couldn't afford it - so I decided to bide my time and up my budget.
Late 2013 I saw a 2006 First Edition coupe for sale in Jersey, but this was priced far above what I had. I contacted the owner to ask questions and to see if my details could be passed on to the new owner so I could be offered first refusal in future, we exchanged emails a few times, but the car sold to an unknown party through a dealer. I found out through the PH forum it had gone to Dublin.
A year later, one came up for sale at a garage in Yorkshire, again the price was too much, but I went to look as it was probably the closest I was going to get to seeing one up close. When I found it was the same car I'd been following it seemed like fate!
Anyway, I put a cheeky offer in (£16k less than asking price) and after a bit of negotiations I got it for a fair price - (my wife may disagree with this last comment!) 3 years and 9000 miles later I still love it.
Gen 1 92 until 1995 RT/10 8.0 Chrysler / Lambo
Gen 1.5 1996 only RT/10 8.0 Chrysler/ Lambo
Gen2 1997 until 2002 RT10 8.0 Chrysler/Lambo
Gen2 1996 until 2002 GTS 8.0 Chrysler/Lambo
Gen3 2003 till 2006 roadster 8.3 Chrysler
Gen 3 coupe 2006 only 8.3 Chrysler
Gen 4 2008 till 2010 8.4 Chrsler/Mclaren
Gen 5 2013 till 2017 8.4 Chrysler/McLaren
A great read would be the "VIPER BUYERS GUIDE" By Maurice Laing
I know of a good 05 SRT roadster available???
Gen 1.5 1996 only RT/10 8.0 Chrysler/ Lambo
Gen2 1997 until 2002 RT10 8.0 Chrysler/Lambo
Gen2 1996 until 2002 GTS 8.0 Chrysler/Lambo
Gen3 2003 till 2006 roadster 8.3 Chrysler
Gen 3 coupe 2006 only 8.3 Chrysler
Gen 4 2008 till 2010 8.4 Chrsler/Mclaren
Gen 5 2013 till 2017 8.4 Chrysler/McLaren
A great read would be the "VIPER BUYERS GUIDE" By Maurice Laing
I know of a good 05 SRT roadster available???
Edited by Dr-Bob on Monday 12th February 00:01
Dr-Bob said:
Gen 1.5 1996 only RT/10
I never knew that there was a Gen 1.5, I'm gonna do some research, I need to fill my Viper knowledge gaps in !!!!Dr-Bob said:
I know of a good 05 SRT roadster available???
I wish I could afford a stablemate for my coupe! - I'm pretty certain I know which one you mean, lovely colour too.sonicbloo said:
Dr-Bob said:
Gen 1.5 1996 only RT/10
I never knew that there was a Gen 1.5, I'm gonna do some research, I need to fill my Viper knowledge gaps in !!!!Dr-Bob said:
I know of a good 05 SRT roadster available???
I wish I could afford a stablemate for my coupe! - I'm pretty certain I know which one you mean, lovely colour too.
Think I know the one your talking about ...... very nice colour though I prefer Venom Red 
Ginja said:
I know this is a body style discussion but don't forget the creampuff engine on the later Gen 2's. From 2000 the engine internals changed from forged to cast (could take less boost if FI is added).
But the added tolerances made the NA 2000 to 2002 engine a better compression engine than the earlier sloppy forged internal engines. (and that's from Bob Woodhouse of Woodhouse Dodge)Earlier engines also had a diffrent cam profile.
As for Forced induction, It was perfectly fine to run a 6lb boost on a Creampuff engine, it was only if you intended to go ballistic 10lb + and take the car Drag racing that the engine pistons required a swap out, not to mention all the added tuning and everything else involved, rods, valves, rockers, Get the Credit card handy!
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