Comments and a few questions for the mod gurus!

[riverflyer]

Which seems to be half the board. Well, just got back from my second longer jouney in my new ride and wanted to share some comments and ask a few questions. While there were many times I missed the precison and quickness of my euro ride, the Viper's power and torque are truly addicting. I remain amazed at the cornering capacity of these cars. So far, I have been trying to take my time and learn the cars capacities slowly but being patient is not my strongest virtue. It seems like if I am not disturbing the balance by braking too late or hard, any corner at any speed is possible! I know that the laws of physics don't agree, but thats how it feels.
The two things I want to address most at this point are brakes (pre ABS car) and exhaust sound. My car has hi flo cats and resonators only and is pretty loud but lacks resonance and tone. Any and all advice appreciated concerning these two issues.
As far as the overload of attention I mentioned before, I am getting used to it and as someone described, it is a bit of a guilty pleasure at times! Here is the classic everymans praise bit. I am stopped at a light in San Francisco, in first spot and here comes this homeless guy with a cart filled with cans and bottles, heading down the sidewalk ramp. My first thought is oh sh@t, what if he looses control of his laden cart....Anyway, he negotiates the hill, heads around the front of my car, stops suddenly, crouches to windshild height, looks my in the eye and gives me a thumbs up while shouting, "Nice car man". Seems like everyone loves the Viper.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

The best upgrade for the brakes is to get some track time in. Isn't Thunderhill up your way?

The second best brake upgrade would be Stoptech, Dilusi, etc.

Exhaust is purely subjective.

 

[riverflyer]

Chuck, yes it is and I am on sched for a track day in mid Oct. I'll check out the brake kits you mentioned. thanks

 

[Joe Dozzo]

I agree with Chuck, some track time to learn what you and the car are now capable of is pretty darned valuable!

While you're checking out brake kits, you might want to consider the ABS retrofit Archer offers...

Your post suggests your car (like mine) is more a road car than track vehicle. If so, I wonder if adding ABS might provide more real world benefit than bigger calipers/rotors offered in most typical brake upgrade packages.

I've actually done both... Expensive, yes, but I think I now have world class stopping power. Just my .02 worth...

 

[riverflyer]

Joe, thanks for the tip, I did not know ABS retrofit was available. Which part gave you the most benefit? Can't be too thin or stop too soon... or something like that!

 

[Joe Dozzo]

Just my opinion, but I think the ABS retrofit was the bigger improvement. I did both ABS and calipers (bigger in front and moved fronts to rear) at the same time so it's almost impossible to tell which had the greatest impact. No more flat-spotting tires... more secure stopping in adverse weather... better F/R brake balance... "seems" to stop much shorter, but I don't have an accurate before / after comparison...

 

[riverflyer]

Well, at 8 grand thats more than I want to spend. I am leaning toward the 4 wheel stop tech kit as a max investment or possibly even the lines, rotors and pads. If any other posters reading this have done brake mods short of the full 4 wheel kits, please throw down your impressions. thanks

 

[DEVILDOG]

Get the StopTech Front Big Brake Kit w/slotted rotors. The kit also includes stainless lines for front and rear and is designed with excellent front/rear braking balance with the stock rear brakes. Stopping distances are improved significantly and is a good $ value. Go to StopTech's web site and check their testing results and technical section for an interesting braking education opportunity to help make your informed decision.

 

[riverflyer]

Does front kit only and ss lines give almost the same stopping power as the 4 wheel kit? I guess I could always add the back kit later too, if I felt it necessary and when I could afford it. thanks, I'll check out their site

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

I've got the front Stoptech. Haven't gotten around to getting the backs. I use Pagid R14 pads and they stop great and last long.

 

[riverflyer]

Chuck, was having just the fronts done(good budget choice for me as I just goe the car and have some other mods clamoring for attention too!) a substantial improvement in stopping capacity?

 

[DEVILDOG]

Does front kit only and ss lines give almost the same stopping power as the 4 wheel kit? I guess I could always add the back kit later too, if I felt it necessary and when I could afford it. thanks, I'll check out their site

In my discussions with StopTech they informed me that the stopping distance with the four wheel system is maybe 4 feet shorter. The main reason for the 4 wheel system is durability ie. less brake fade under extreme racing conditions. The front system is all you need for the street and moderate tracking. You can't upgrade the front system to a 4 wheel system. The 4 wheel system has a little larger front rotor and caliper to balance with the added rear system. I added replacement slotted rotors and upgraded pads to my stock rear system and use Motul 600 fluid. Call the StopTech guys and discuss your situation. They will help you to make the best decision for your requirements. I was impressed that they recommended the Front System only to me instead of trying to sell me the more expensive 4 wheel system.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

You can't upgrade the front system to a 4 wheel system.

DD your info is different than mine. I was told when I purchased my front system that I could upgrade the rears at a later date.

River yes, the upgrade was substantial. And after spending a fortune on sh*tty street/track pads I switched to a strictly race pad. The race pad was a tremendous improvement and the pad last 4X as long as those crappy "multi-purpose" pads. Gee, I wonder why the vendor kept selling me those street/track pads - $$$?

 

[Vreracing]

I put the Stop Techs on my car and I thought it helped quite a bit. It doesn't seem to have the initial bite in the M5 has, but once you get beyond the initial feel of the brake the grip is incredibly strong. I opted for the 4 wheel set up.

I did have a 96 Porsche TT and I could just hammer down on the brakes at 120+. With the Viper and Stop Tech's you have to be the computer.

I would recommend them.

 

[jrkermode]

I have nothing against StopTech, but a less expensive alternative is ROE's caliper relocation bracket. This allows you to keep the stock calipers but upgrade to 14" front disks. HoosierDaddy runs something similar.

Make sure you get some brake cooling, and get some heat shields for the ball joint boots. The Stock set-up will work on the track, but pad wear is ferocious and the heat cooks the ball joint boots rather quickly.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

For good front to rear balance, keeping the front calipers, low cost, and OEM rear appearance, consider this. The machine shop has made a few improvements that makes reassembly even easier.

 

[riverflyer]

I have nothing against StopTech, but a less expensive alternative is ROE's caliper relocation bracket. This allows you to keep the stock calipers but upgrade to 14" front disks. HoosierDaddy runs something similar.

Make sure you get some brake cooling, and get some heat shields for the ball joint boots. The Stock set-up will work on the track, but pad wear is ferocious and the heat cooks the ball joint boots rather quickly.

Thanks for the tip, had a good talk with Sean this afternoon about this and other options, all very helpful and at reasonable cost too. BTW, I love the handle, HoosierDaddy, very cool play on words.

 

[monnieh]

Are there any schematics of the 01+ ABS system? I just can not believe it cost's $8-$9k to retrofit this on a non-abs viper. I know a fellow in Sweden(?) retrofited another Dodge ABS on his Snake.

If I could put ABS and Quafie rear on my ACR for a REASONABLE price I would and never sell it. But for the prices asked for these systems, it would be cheaper to sell your Viper and buy a SRT-10.