Gen I/Gen II Tech Tips

New Owners, Posted 01/12/10

So you just purchased a Gen I/Gen II Viper. Most new owners first question is what modifications they should do first. Before you add any modifications to your Viper, it is suggested that you have the following items performed first:

(1) Change all fluids if not recently done. Should have receipt for verification.
(2) Get the fuel filter replaced. You might still have the original one.
(3) Check plugs and wires and change if needed.
(4) Replace PCV. Very cheap fix.
(5) Get the power steering cap vent. Also cheap fix. Small chance your viper might just become a BBQ pit. It has happen and will continue to happen. Refer to picture below.
(6) Upgrade P/S Pulley and Bracket $200.00 plus labor. Without this change, you could be left on the side of the road.
(7) Get the crank bolt pinned. Price depends, but around $250 on up. Could cost you an engine. I repeat, could cost you an engine.
(8) Get new tires if over 5 years old. There is a born on date on them as illustrated in the General Tech Tips section. Old tires can put you into a pole or tree really fast.
(9) Prob has bad motor mounts $250 plus labor. (This can wait).

Tom's Brake Upgrade, Posted 01/31/10

Are you looking for a performance upgrade that will really help you brake in the New Year? Look no further than Tom’s 40mm Brembo Rear Brake Caliper. Stock Gen I/Gen II front brakes are Brembo 4 piston calipers with differential bore sizes of 38mm and 42mm. The rear Viper caliper is a small 36mm single piston floating design originally from a 1988-1992 Renault Alliance /Eagle Premier and currently used on the Lotus Elise. Because the stock rear calipers do not produce sufficient brake torque, the factory brake system tends to easily lock up the front wheels. Enlarged to a 40mm size, the caliper provides 23% greater rear braking power, perfects the overall balance, and can be installed without having to modify the factory proportioning valve or adding an adjustable proportioning valve. The 40mm Brake calipers provide the following benefits:

Viper Braking improves from 0.8G to over 1.0G deceleration
Comparable performance to big brake kits costing over $3500
No special labor, tools or cutting suspension upright to install
Sized to provide balanced braking with original front calipers
Re-use everything else: rotors, pads, wheels, hoses and hardware
Do not need an add-on adjustable proportioning valve
Don't add unsprung weight with an additional parking brake
Only $999 to purchase or $700 if you return the old calipers

This caliper set-up is highly recommended by Chuck Tator (ViperWizard) and both he and Jon Brobst have them on their personal cars. It could be the missing component that you never knew you actually needed. Check out Tom’s website at http://40mmbrakes.auto.officelive.com for more details and information. Tell Tom saviper sent you!!!

This website is not in affiliated to the Viper Club of America (VCA) or Chrysler Group LLC..

Page last updated 08/15/10

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