Dodge Viper (Gen 2) Buyers Guide & Review 1996 - 2002 GTS & RT/10

Everything you need to know about the 1996 - 2002 Dodge Viper. What's the BEST (Gen 2) Dodge Viper GTS, RT/10 or ACR for you? This is the ultimate guide to Gen II Vipers. What to look for before purchasing a used 2nd generation Dodge Viper. Plus all the changes from year to year and some rare and not often seen items. Feel free to add anything that I might have missed or you feel is important in the comments.

[@nice95gle]

OMG...THIS VIDEO IS INSANE!!! Best viper video on KZbin. HANDS DOWN!!! I challenge anyone to do better.

[@jtd3d351]

This son of gun saying he’s had a dozen gen 2 Vipers yet all I want is 1 in my damn garage 🤦🏿‍♂️

[@MrDeepzek]

I don't even have a garage so you are way ahead of me 🤦‍♂️

[@dominiquetits8605]

I've been an obsessed Viper guy since '94 and I thought I knew allot, but you sir, just brought me back to school. Thankyou!!

[@WildStyleWorks]

best car ever made, there will come a time were i import me one to the EU and then drive it around 😍😍😍 this is my dream car for over 30 years now, and no ferrari or lambo or anything will ever come close to this beast 🙂 when i was 6 years i got a model car of the viper that i have ever since, i never played with it because i never wanted it to break, and i still got that one model car that lit the fire inside me 🥰 i once got a mazda MX-5 and allways pretendet it would be my little viper. they are so expensive, i may never get one, but still i love to look at this car, and i swear, once in my life i will drive this car!!! even if it will not be mine, at least to feel it one time would make my dream come true 🤩

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

I'm not planning to buy a Viper, but I am an avid car/motorcycle enthusiast. Regardless, I just watched this entire fantastic video. You sir are an expert's expert. Stay well.

[@fatmatt1285]

Just commenting that I watched this a sixth time and took 68 bullet point notes. Now I can read everything.

[@SlingshotMustang]

What an excellent and thorough video. I want a Gen 2 Viper GTS so bad. Always thought this was the 2nd best body design in automotive history, after the Ford GT/GT40.

[@bwolowski]

Fellow ‘96 GTS owner here, great job Cody. A very thorough and well researched video. I even learned a few things! One thing I would add, early GTSs have the oil cap on the driver’s side; after a couple hundred they moved over to the passenger side.

[@GarryFullerSr]

I have a 2001 GTS and Love it. It's Sapphire Blue with the Silver strip. All stock. This was very interesting. Thanks.

[@andycain1819]

Connolly interior?

[@GarryFullerSr]

@@andycain1819 No, it's all black. The Connolly would look good. Did they put that color in the 01.

[@andycain1819]

@@GarryFullerSr My 01 was the Sapphire/Connolly combo

[@quick906]

How does this video only have 59k views? This is amazing information, very informative, and well produced. I wish speed vision was still around and they could have picked this up as a segment. Well done sir.

[@1963geckos]

You are the most knowledgeable on Viper's, very impressed. I love my 97. 146k 👍🏼

[@ameremortal]

How’s it holding up? Any major repairs?

[@1963geckos]

Amere Mortal actually doing pretty good. At about 109,000 miles I start to hear valve tapping… But I was able to pick up a Hennessey venom 600 motor for $6000 they had 28,000 miles on it. It was in a fire. They were still able to salvage the car out of the garage. the motor was bench tested and it's doing great. So of course I've been through a radiator, starter, alternator, steering rack, steering pump, windshield wiper motors… Sounds like a lot but she's running pretty good.

[@ameremortal]

@@1963geckos It does sound like a lot. I’m hoping to pick up a modified one that’s had most of these things done already. Good thing this thing seems easy to work on.

[@overtorque]

Excellent video. I've been a Viper fan since I was 11 (in 1996) and I'm still learning more about this car today!

[@cammedmotorsports7629]

I thought I knew about generation 2 vipers, and he definitely made me realize that I don’t 🙃👍

[@xXAust1n46Xx]

Lit’s was

[@Blazerghost]

How reliable has yours been?

[@cammedmotorsports7629]

The only thing that I felt like I had to do was oil pan gasket leak, and I have collected parts to do preventive maintenance eg. power steering pulley and mount rad hoses. It had never failed me at all and I have had it over 3 years

[@jimmyqballs]

They really are great cars. It still turns heads and is incredibly fun to drive. Even though modern cars make a lot more power, the Viper definitely punches above it's weight to an extent thanks to that sweet torque curve. I have 81,000 on my Gen 2 GTS and it's still doing fine!

[@andycain1819]

That's great! I like to see people that actually put miles on their cars rather than just polishing them all the time. I put about 7K miles a year on mine and hope to roll 100K one day.

[@antg4403]

Jimmyqballs just bought mine last week and put 2k miles on her. She only averaged under 1k over the course of 20 years!

[@phantom5573]

I think I'm going to buy another 2nd Gen Viper. Love these cars

[@erikanderson643]

Viper ACR I have an 01 for sale. Instagram @killadrilla1

[@phantom5573]

It must have major modifications. Mine has a supercharger, suspension, exhaust, forged wheels, etc. I'm not interested in a stock Viper. Thx@@erikanderson643

[@superluberacing]

Great video, very informative. I found out a lot of info on my '97 GTS, blue with white stripes, 11,600 mile Viper. Thanks.

[@alankojima8743]

Excellent video! Just bought my first viper, super excited! Thank you for all the information!

[@austinblackburne7185]

Still very competitive on the track for their age. Able to embarrass many other later model cars, 911, corvette etc. With the right tyre

[@antg4403]

Austin blackburne what tires?

[@austinblackburne7185]

@@antg4403 Dunlop racing slicks 310 front, 335 rear

[@2000viperrt]

By far the most in depth and thorough Gen 2 videos.

[@ericdedominic2414]

Best Gen II video ever! Must watch for anyone thinking of buying a Gen II.

[@carbonfiberdiet3746]

Amazing Viper knowledge there Cody. I actually paused a third of the way into the video to subscribe ! Can't wait to see the rest.

[@davidlovett7905]

The Viper has always been at the top of my list to collect one day. Thank-You so much for this detailed buyer's guide, for these Amazing cars!!! I'm only missing one thing now...money💰!!! Thanks Again😁

[@mclarenviper7938]

The most comprehensive review for 2nd gen viper... thanks a lot

[@EngineInformant]

how can any body especially a viper ent thumbs down this. he is in love with this car

[@kevincurry1940]

Been looking for a super low mile Gen 2 black RT 10, found it, it’s on a transport, will be here next week, found this video which has gotten me even more excited for it to get here. The video is extremely detailed, a lot of homework done by him, a ton of information. You can can tell he knows these cars inside and out. Safe motoring everyone!

[@ZondaF355]

Great content! I would also add to be EXTREMELY CAREFUL with the remote battery nut. This is a design flaw as the stud that connects all power to the car from the battery is held in with a plastic shroud inside the fuse box. With heat, time and taking that nut on/off the stud will strip. When this happens the car will have electrical gremlins and the entire fuse box and about a hundred wires have to be replaced. I’ve had this happen and had to chase for 6 months so like to inform other Viper owners.

[@lorne2740]

Best viper video

[@ProMountainBiker]

I used to work at a tool and dye shop in Windsor Ontario Canada and in they’re storage area they have the original frame made for the viper, they designed some of the tools to make the frame

[@AB-dw3he]

Who is this guy and where did he get these fantastic toys?! Did you see all the other amazing cars in that garage? Bravo.

[@IdeasDontBounce]

It was about 2 years ago I started to remember the gen 2 Dodge Viper. Started looking them up and my admiration and appreciation grew dramatically in an instant. Hopefully one day, I can have one parked in my future garage. Even if it's a gen 3. The Dodge Viper is one car I wouldn't be picky about.

[@mikemoore2933]

Got my 2002 yellow GTS, DREAM COME TRUE. Great information ty.

[@PerfQuest]

You know your stuff and your Viper passion shows. Great and interesting video.

[@kmrumedy]

Ok....THIS video was well done! (1997 B/W Owner)

[@kenhahn9701]

This is hands-down the best Gen 2 Viper buyer's info I have seen. I owned a Gen 2 for 12 years and learned a lot of new facts and trivia that I never knew. If you are thinking about buying a Gen 2 Viper or are just a fan of the car, Cody's video is well worth a watch.

[@billypike3797]

The amount of info in here is insane. I'm not a viper guy, yet a general car guy so I can appreciate the viper. This video kinda makes me want one

[@universalclassiccars]

Great video and super informative, just purchased a final edition, one of only 3 in the UK.

[@counselingpsychology]

This is the most efficient and informative car video I’ve ever seen. Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge!

[@jackgentry5603]

Thank you Cody for your response! I think I’m going to go with the gen 5 all black! I am obsessed! It’s gunna take awhile to save lol

[@codyreich]

You're going to LOVE it! Don't give up until you have it. It's worth saving up for.

[@TheMdpalmer]

Really well done buddy! I never knew about shim reports, very interesting.

[@-Zim]

My father had a final edition Viper it was 301/360 with the white racing stripes and the beautiful red. We ended up selling it after he passed but it’s been a dream of mine for years to find it again and buy it back as mine. My mom told me a race enthusiast bought it from her in 2010. I’m sure it’s been in good hands, hopefully in mine one day.

[@Ranock01]

MORE VIPER VIDEOS PLEASE !!! ☺

[@mrsluigi9478]

Some people in this world have the power to keep the attention of someone forever. I can't believe I just watched a documentary length video on the Viper. Well done Cuda Cody I'll remember this video forever.

[@wildpoly318]

I don’t own a Viper yet but the 2nd gens have a very special place in my heart, thank you for your video I learned A LOT!!.

[@Alejandro_Palomo]

How much I've learned right now with this HUGE PIECE OF WORK!!! thank you!!!

[@erickasamoahheatair5723]

I just watched the best car video I have ever seen. Makes me want to go take my 02 yellow with black stripes out for a drive. Best information ever.

[@hansfons6685]

What a knowledge!! I'm impressed and learned a lot ! thx - happy Gen 2 rt10 owner

[@CustomisationUnleashed]

Unfortunately the Dodge Viper was never sold here in South Africa but thank you for the very informative video, I really learnt a lot and enjoyed it thoroughly.

[@johnheintz982]

Amazing video on the history! I just picked up a 1996 GTS which was a poster on my wall as a child!

[@brandonleepotter]

Wow!! Learned a lot on the history of the years!! Very cool! Great video!! Make more!!!

[@mbehrendsen3574]

I married my wife because she was the only one who could get out my 97 Viper and look good doing it.

[@vipergtsr]

Awesome video, I've never seen something so comprehensive in one video. Would love to see more!

[@charlieryan1736]

Thank you so much for making this informative & interesting Viper review

[@John1911]

That was really informative. I’m debating buying a Gen 2. Regards, Marky

[@antg4403]

John1911 Gun Blog do it! Just got a 2000 RT/10

[@John1911]

@@antg4403 How practical are the aftermarket hardtops on those? -Marky

[@geehawk1]

Thanks, learned a lot about my dream car!

[@undefinedrawdawg3341]

Great video from a true viper guy!!! Only comment, the same cam was used thru 1999, then in 2000 went to the smoother cam to help reduce NGR. I think in 1998, they started to use Castrol Syntorq to minimize the NGR.

[@RealityEDS]

Fantastic video from 99 gts owner

[@dandeluca9840]

Very nicely done. Shows a lot of uncommon facts about the viper. Id like to see one of these videos made for us gen 1 guys. Thanks

[@sarahdell4042]

Best video covering this subject hands down!

[@dandeluca9840]

Lots of great info here. Do a gen 1 video for us original guys! Thanks

[@EnthusiastsGarage]

very on point cody. i did several informative viper videos on my channel including a buyers guide. you covered all the important stuff as well.

[@mjjstang]

I've got to say incredibly informative. One of, if not, the best video to date of the gen 2. I've done a lot of research after recently buying my 96 B/W and I learned a lot from this. I love your passion for the Viper. Thank you for making this video. Knew about the spark plug wires but now I'm going to check all the other dates Oh, and no more closing the hood from the front. Thanks again!

[@jordanking6939]

The Viper is a man's man sports car with no fancy tech, no traction control, no automatic transmission, it gets back to the basics. The C8 Corvette and 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera have better overall performance and feel like Grand Tourers in terms of comfort and practicality. The Viper was always a weekend car (it's not meant to be a daily driver to get to work) with the ride quality rough.

[@2000viperrt]

Very best GEN 2 Viper video I have seen. As an owner I really appreciate the effort. Great Video. New subscriber.

[@keithtuggle5858]

Awesome video! I learned a few things I didn't know (2001 ACR owner)

[@Kreege]

This video was a great resource for me and it was one of the first videos i found when I got serious about buying my viper a few years ago. Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge with us.

[@minatormyth]

I dont even own a viper. Or thinking of getting one especially in this shit hole of a car hating country (Britain). But I watched every single minute of that and enjoyed it😉👍 Wish I lived in America, love the car and motorcycles culture 🤗

[@armandomontezuma4701]

Best Gen 2 guide ever! Thank you

[@metalbeast83]

Back when i was going to dive school in california there was a blue /with white stripe one that i saw pretty much every morning going the same way

[@levisaxen614]

This was very informative and well done, the video flew by like it was 10 minutes long. Love that you supported the club all these years and your involvement in the brand. I will without a doubt watch this again before I pull the trigger on my first viper

[@sxmolin]

Wow great video, what a drive down memory lane! Someday I would like to own a 2002 RT/10

[@Ranock01]

Amazingly informative video sir. Great Reference for new buyers and current owners alike. Well done!

[@cavdrkz24]

This has been my dream car since i was 15 (like 1997). I WILL one day own one. 1998 RT-10 Viper.

[@Teamzechproperties]

Loved the GEN 2 video - very helpful in my decision process ~ Thank you...!

[@harp440]

Excellent video

[@TheCoolOwen]

Very useful info. If I am in the market for a gen 2 Viper it has to be a 2001-2002. Gotta have the ABS and frame reinforcements for saftey. I would love to have the RT/10 with a double bubble removable hard top.

[@JakeRawSon]

Thanks for taking the time and making this.

[@drewmerkle7919]

Best video I've seen, some great "proprietary" historic images as well. A few "VIN number" references, happens to the best of us.

[@bambbrose]

Really well done, I can tell you are a true enthusiast and care about the nuanced details. I really appreciate this video. Gen 2 GTS styling is absolutely timeless. Many of the timeless cars have the same profile from the side: The Shelby Daytona coupe, Toyota 2000GT, Mazda RX-7 FD, Datsun 240Z, Ferrari 250 GTO

[@Alps6408]

Very informative video, had to watch it without my headphones on as it was only coming through 1 ear. I've been curious about the purchase of a Viper for a while.

[@ehiracheta]

I just picked up a 06 Gen 3 and liked this video! I will look to see if any of this stuff pertains to my car. Awesome knowledge on display here!

[@timwoodward1257]

Very insightful video. Is it possible that you will do an in depth video with the gen 1 Viper?

[@grigiogt8793]

Thank you so much for this video. I live in the UK and I’ve just put a deposit down for a 2000 GTS in steel grey. Your video it’s fantastic!

[@John1911]

That was amazing. Especially for someone trying to get educated for possible purchase. You really put in the work on this. -Marky

[@stefanguse8300]

Hi Cody, Thanks very much for this video. I've loved the Blue GTS my whole life, and I really appreciate all the detail/work you put into this video. Thanks. I hope I can find a clean blue gts one day, as it's still definitely my dream car. When you know you know...

[@chevyDboyMike]

This guy really loves his paperwork

[@danielle16r]

By far the best, Dodge Viper video!

[@gran_turismo_fan]

Well made video, I didn't know some of those little facts. Well done man!

[@integratypryan]

@44:56 WTFFFFFFF LOL Outstanding video and outstanding information here.

[@writenamehere0000]

good presentation. I dont own a Viper but I can see all major things are covered. Even more. SUbscribed.

[@louisalmeida89]

Great info. Very well done! Cody I wish there was a video as good as this on my 96 Black and silver RT/10!

[@davecorr4421]

Thanks for the video! Great Job ! a lot of info ! Thanks for posting! We all appreciate it

[@SSG.SKI.11B.82ND]

Great Video Sir! Super informative, I've learned alot. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@TheBeingReal]

So many of these got wrecked. 🙄. Widow Maker. lol. Awesom car though! The Gen V ACR is THE model to have. This was a well done video of all the little details. Thanks!

[@rudy8817]

thanks for all the information there is some good staff about this cars that i did"t know i own a 2002 R/10

[@f3uibeghardt522]

I'm distracted by outside factors as I watch this video, so you may have already addressed it, but when I was young, there was a guy in my neighborhood who owned the prettiest Viper I've ever seen. I used to just go and look through his gate and into his open garage which housed an RT/10. It was black with full-length silver racing stripes (the stripes extended all the way down the grille/front fascia and bumper). I used to sit there for hours transfixed gazing at it. One day, the owner of it asked me what the hell I was doing outside his gate staring at his garage. I told him how I was enamored with his Viper, and his tone changed to cheerfulness. He invited me in to look at it up close. Sorry, I went off on a tangent there. What I wanted to ask you is if it came stock from the factory with those silver, full-length racing stripes. Like I said, I wasn't able to play close attention to this video, but I got the impression you said there were no factory-produced RT/10s in black with silver full-length racing stripes. Is that true? Because I really doubt the guy who owned this one modded it in any way.

[@johnsonsworld7296]

Extremely useful, thanks so much man

[@ponypwr]

In the mid 90s our local Dodge dealer Steve White had a hunter green rt-10 on the showroom floor.

[@royramdeen8864]

Thank You ! Very well done. Now to find a prestine one. 😉

[@mclarenviper7938]

Thanks for your efforts.... great review

[@flemmingnavntoft8046]

great work cody.