pitz0022
New member
Thinking about buying a viper. Are there differences between 2002 and 2003? I thought i read there was a factory suspension upgrade for 2002? If so, is there a way I can tell if it has been done by looking at it? Any other weaknesses in an 02 vs an 03? Thanks!
super1c
Super Moderator
This is just what i know from reading. Yes thier was a suspension upgrade but it just made the suspension softer but not really better. Any viper will ride better post a shock valve job by pioneer, 179 for all four good deal. The 03 came with the new shocks stock. I think the 03 went to the 1inch lug ripsaw track from the cheapo they had on the 02. Other than that i think they are the same. Either way youll love it for sure, very fun sled. Chris
Sheermadness03
New member
The 03's came with the same "finger" track as the 02's, atleast my 03 did. I bought mine new in Nov. of 2002 and have only done regular maint on it besides adding some after market stuff and the rear heat exchanger and it has been a great sled. It has nearly 6000 miles on it now and runs great, never been apart. I love my sled. -Ed
Attachments
03 viper has: the finger/cone type lug track
differnt seat cover with holes to keep from being slippery and softer foam
black windshield fairing
updated shocks for more plush ride
wire harness said to be rerouted to help prevent chaff of harness.
02: had a .920 lug track, actually it was better then the 03 track. shocks were more aggressive valved for the 02,if you rode them hard they worked good,but would beat ya up in the washboard sections if you were riding easy. seat was hard for the 02's
differnt seat cover with holes to keep from being slippery and softer foam
black windshield fairing
updated shocks for more plush ride
wire harness said to be rerouted to help prevent chaff of harness.
02: had a .920 lug track, actually it was better then the 03 track. shocks were more aggressive valved for the 02,if you rode them hard they worked good,but would beat ya up in the washboard sections if you were riding easy. seat was hard for the 02's
pitz0022
New member
Thanks for the input guys! That's why I love this site. How much can I expect prices to drop on these sleds into the summer? I'm not in a hurry to buy, it's more important to get a resonable deal. If I watch I'm sure I can buy one with between 2000 and 3000 miles for about $2,200. Is that same sled going to be worth $1800 or less in the summer or if there is little snow next winter?
ridergonwild5692
Member
they are hovering right around the 2500 range for the low milage range. i am actuallythinking about selling mine next summer. its has 2000 miles on it now. love it just dont ride that much anymore.
Spend the 40 bucks for an Opitcool head gasket, you won't regret it.
whats the advantage of using an opticool headgasket? and wheres the best place to get one? thanks guys
Sheermadness03
New member
It's designed to make the coolant flow correctly thru the cylinder head to help cool it due to the design flaw in the stock cylinder head. You can get them thru Bender Racing. Here's the link: http://www.benderracing.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=opticool+head+gasket&Search.x=19&Search.y=2
-Ed
-Ed
pitz0022
New member
Good advice Sheermadness. Thanks
Snowsnake
New member
Bought my 02 new in 03 and at the end of the winter my dealer installed the updated shocks.Rode it like that for a winter(trying different set-ups) and then went back to the originals.Didn't really notice a big difference in ride,but I didn't like the way the sled handled as much with the updated.They're still in a box in the basement.As far as the track goes the original stood up better(changed out at 18K klm's)than the Camoplast that replaced it.You can also pull the sliders out through the track windows on the 02 and you can't on the original 03.And as for the rear heat exchanger and Opticool headgasket I don't have one and have never had any overheating problems,but we ususally have good snow.Just a few of my observations after riding this for 25,000 klm's/15,000 miles.
jd 04viper
New member
also if your interested look into the 04 viper s , it came with the ohlins piggy backs susp. with clickers and 1 1/4 ripsaw track they are black def good lookin sled
pitz0022
New member
Thanks for mentioning that. Sounds like that was a major upgrade. If I can afford one, it sounds like it is worth a few more bucks. I'll have to see what comes along this spring and summer. I'm getting a little resistance on the homefront right now with new sled discussions.jd 04viper said:
I've seen vipers on Craigslist going for $ 2000 all day long. Actually there was an ER (Electric start and reverse) fro $ 1950 a few weeks back, of course didn't last long.
I bought my 03 MT Viper for $ 2800 on the fall of 2009.
It depends on the type of riding you do you might wanna consider a newer SRX also...?
JMO
Nick
I bought my 03 MT Viper for $ 2800 on the fall of 2009.
It depends on the type of riding you do you might wanna consider a newer SRX also...?
JMO
Nick