A 1997 Dodge Viper GTS coupe with extensive performance upgrades is now being offered for sale in Houston, Texas, presenting enthusiasts with a modified example of one of Dodge’s most recognizable performance cars.
The vehicle, finished in red with a black interior, shows 46,000 miles and is listed with a clean title. It is described as a two-owner example and is powered by an 8.0-liter V10 engine paired with a manual transmission, maintaining the traditional driver-focused setup that helped define the Viper during its early production years.
This particular car has undergone a series of mechanical upgrades and recent service work designed to enhance both reliability and performance. The engine features a factory-built Mopar crate short block while retaining stock compression and camshaft specifications. According to the provided details, the cylinder heads were recently rebuilt and fitted with new guides and valves along with pocket porting.
Additional modifications include a valvetrain upgrade using an LS valve spring conversion with Brian Tooley components, titanium retainers, Harland Sharp roller rockers, oversize pushrods, and Johnson race lifters. All engine gaskets have been replaced with reusable Cometic aluminum-core gaskets, while Cometic MLS head gaskets are also installed.
The vehicle’s supporting hardware has also been upgraded to handle increased performance demands. It features an oversized aluminum radiator, Mishimoto silicone radiator hoses, and a recently installed oil cooler. Other components include an ATI crank damper, steel power steering pump pulley, urethane motor mounts, and road-race-style trap door oil pan baffles from Ipsco.
Airflow and exhaust improvements have also been added. The Viper is equipped with Belanger headers connected to a full three-inch exhaust system with Flowmaster laminar flow mufflers and rocker side-exit outlets. Intake improvements include smooth tubes, K&N air filters, and an R/T10 airbox.
Cosmetic engine bay touches include fresh powder coating on the intake and valve covers, finished in a textured red with gloss white accents. The valve covers have been modified with Motion Raceworks breather ports connected to a catch can. The hood’s NACA duct has also been removed.
The car was tuned by Pietz Performance, with reported output of 480 horsepower and 540 pound-feet of torque measured at the wheels.
First introduced in the 1990s, the Dodge Viper quickly became known for its aggressive styling and raw performance. The GTS coupe variant added a fixed-roof design while retaining the model’s large-displacement V10 and manual transmission layout.
The seller describes the vehicle as part of a private collector’s inventory currently being reduced to make space for new acquisitions. The car is offered for $78,000 and is available for nationwide or international buyers, with shipping arrangements possible through third-party transport services.
