Just for anyone else who is intereted. With pricing in hand I attempted to place my order today. Problem - no stock. All 40 warehouses show 0 stock. All sold out because of 2003 model changes. From what I have been told by more than one provider is that I will have to wait a few months before they start getting in the 2003 Viper engines. My only other choice is to find someone who has one in stock (not likely for cheap). They aren't expecting the pricing to change much with the 2003. The new engine is bored and stroked up from 488ci to 505ci. Not sure I really need the extra 50hp, but at least I'll have a current production engine.
The pricing on this engine varies tremendously. Pricing ranged from $11,500 all the way up to $18,000. List is around $16,800. Interesting, a race shop gets Mopar Performance products at a different cost than a regular Mopar Performance provider like a Chrysler dealer. My local dealer wanted $14,900 but I found race shops selling at just over their cost at $11,500 and $11,995. I think the company selling it for 18,000 probably has one in stock and knows you can't get it anywhere else.
I'll keep you posted when I have the engine in my garage. Might not be till after the first of the year. I'm in no hurry, I have plenty to keep me busy!