Ladies and Gents - Got a few things I need to do to my 97 B/W GTS over the next month, and need to get some recommendations from the seasoned Viper owners/customizers...
1) Need to replace the water pump seal in the front of the motor, and understand I need to pull the intake to accomplish this. While I'm in there I'm also going to replace the power steering pulley/bracket that I've heard can go bad. Anything else I should do while it's apart? Thermostat do any good?
2) While I have the intake off, I'm going to yank the valve covers and have them refinished in blue to match the car. What's the best way to do that, powder coating or paint? Should I have a clear coat put on them? Anything else I should do while they are off the car? I may replace the roller rockers with some 1.7s.
3) I want to get some nice brake rotors. Are cross drilled/sloted rotors the way to go? I've heard they are known to wear out easily and crack, but also heard they've come a long way since inception. What's the concensus and what should I look for when shopping for rotors?
4) I'd also like to upgrade the brakes, so looking at the rear brake upgrade. While I do this, I want to have the calipers refinished to match the car as well. Who should I go to for quality powder coating. Should I put a clear coat on them as well? The stock finish has bubbled, and don't want that to happen again.
Thanks for your time!
Jason
Hampton Roads, VA
1) Need to replace the water pump seal in the front of the motor, and understand I need to pull the intake to accomplish this. While I'm in there I'm also going to replace the power steering pulley/bracket that I've heard can go bad. Anything else I should do while it's apart? Thermostat do any good?
2) While I have the intake off, I'm going to yank the valve covers and have them refinished in blue to match the car. What's the best way to do that, powder coating or paint? Should I have a clear coat put on them? Anything else I should do while they are off the car? I may replace the roller rockers with some 1.7s.
3) I want to get some nice brake rotors. Are cross drilled/sloted rotors the way to go? I've heard they are known to wear out easily and crack, but also heard they've come a long way since inception. What's the concensus and what should I look for when shopping for rotors?
4) I'd also like to upgrade the brakes, so looking at the rear brake upgrade. While I do this, I want to have the calipers refinished to match the car as well. Who should I go to for quality powder coating. Should I put a clear coat on them as well? The stock finish has bubbled, and don't want that to happen again.
Thanks for your time!
Jason
Hampton Roads, VA