viper caliper on 11.75 rotors....any advice

[brads70]

Hummmm another winter project maybe? I'm gonna rip out all the front suspension to install the Hotchkis stuff anyhow So how do I tell what year a Viper caliper is from by looking at just the caliper or in this case front clip? What year do I need?

Another question...what's the difference between the different "generation's" of Viper calipers? size?
 I'm just thinking ...if I have to make my own brackets which one is preferable? Keep in mind I'm using 15" rims.
Were is a source for pads for these Calipers? Different pad compounds? I assume you don't just go to your local jobber to get pads? Brembo?

[HP2]

1st gen calipers are 2002 and earlier. 2nd gen are 2003 and later. I have never looked closely at a 2nd gen caliper to physically notice the differences, but I think they mount differently. One is not preferable over the other that I'm aware of, but the hardcore Viper guys may not share that opinion.

For pads, you can get a wide selection at the local parts house, Summit, Jegs, or any performance supplier. Just a quick search on Summit turned up 18 different pad choices for a '94 Viper, compared to 5 for a '79 Cordoba. EBC, Hawke, Performance Friction, Wagner, and more all make pads in differing compounds. The local dodge dealer ma be able to offer some selections as well.

[brads70]

Thanks HP2 !
I have manual brakes now, I would assume you would have to change the master cyl when going to Viper calipers? What size master would one need?

[dodj]

If you have disc brakes and want to loose some weight and have a greater selection of pad compounds, the Wilwood set may be a good set up for you. Calipers can be picked up from Summit or Jegs for around $250.

How do I know which of the 20-30 different Wilwood calipers @ the Jegs site are suitable for the ebody front end? They all look the same. Do you resell HP2?

[ajantics]

Wilwood part number 120-6815

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WIL-120-6815/

[brads70]

A shot in the dark here but...... what's a entire from clip worth from a Viper?( 2001)
GTS  The guy I know that has is is thinking he would like to sell the whole clip not just the calipers? I can understand his point, just wondering if I could flog the rest on e-bay or something? I haven't seen it yet but I'm told the motor was pulled and the clip was cut off at the firewall with everything on it. He bought it to repair his Viper so I'm thinking it's missing 2 control arms and spindle.  Hummmm wonder if the rack could be grafted into the challenger?



Still wondering......?
I have manual brakes now, I would assume you would have to change the master cyl when going to Viper calipers? What size master would one need?

[HP2]

Not sure what a front clip is worth. There are quite a few wrecked Vipers out there, so there might be some demand, but it will take a while to clear it all out.

If he is unwilling to part it out, you can fnd used parts/wrecked Viper dealers who sell the calipers. I've seen them as low as $250 a pair, but they typcially are around $300-400 a pair.

Your original master cylinder would move enough fluid to work with the Viper calipers. Desired pedal feel does tend to vary from driver to driver and for differing applications, so you can step up or down in displacement to alter the feel. Inexpensive alternatives to Wilwood or Baer is to use Omni/Horizon or Volare/Aspen master cylinders. The come in two different bore sizes and both use the seperate plastic reservior. Sometimes you can score them with aluminum masters cylinders, sometimes only in iron. I also think Rick Ehrenberg sells them on ebay from time to time as well.

[brads70]

Thanks HP2! I have the aluminum Dr. Diff master Cyl hope that works ok?. I searched around the net and found them at a wrecker for $100 each ( mind you who knows as to the condition of them?) I'm also looking at Nascar caliper take offs too. Lots of options.....? Alcon,AP, Wilwood,Performance Friction, Brembo. Just not sure how they would last on the street with no seals/boot for the pistons?
Have you ( or anyone) driven a car with them on( Viper calipers)? Huge difference? I mean , sure they look trick but do they perform?

[Katfish]

I'm still wondering what the effective piston area is for the Viper's.

It may not be worth switching unless you step up to the larger rotors.

[brads70]

I'm still wondering what the effective piston area is for the Viper's.

It may not be worth switching unless you step up to the larger rotors.

To my "pea brain"  it still would be worth it for the weight reduction and more importantly the available pad compound choices! The stock pad choices really suck!

[Katfish]

Unless I made a math error, you might want to rethink that.

From what I found the Viper has a 44mm and 40mm piston (these are 4 piston calipers?)

So the 4 piston Viper has an effective clamping area of 4.3 square inches.
The factory piston is 2.75 in, so the clamping area is 5.9 square inches.

For the 11.75 rotor I don't see the advantage, am I missing something here?

Granted they do look great.

[ajantics]

I thought viper calipers were 6 piston calipers?

[brads70]

Your math is correct but, I think you forgot to mulitply the Viper values X2 ( 4 pistons per caliper) ?
So that's about 8.6 square inches ?
Those piston dia. are for 2001 and up Vipers . The 94-2000? pistons  ( I'm not sure but I believe them to be 38mm and 40mm) still researching on the net...

[brads70]

I thought viper calipers were 6 piston calipers?

The first generation were 4 piston, not sure what the second generation has? , but the aftermarket has a 6 piston caliper upgrade available.

[brads70]

Your math is correct but, I think you forgot to mulitply the Viper values X2 ( 4 pistons per caliper) ?
So that's about 8.6 square inches ?
Those piston dia. are for 2001 and up Vipers . The 94-2000? pistons  ( I'm not sure but I believe them to be 38mm and 40mm) still researching on the net...

HA! finally found piston sizes for 1st gen Viper calipers! They are 42 mm and 38mm

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/search/?N=0&Nr=AND(wpn_tl_name:Brakes%5C%2C+Suspension+%26+Steering,wpn_cat_name:Brake+Discs%5C%2C+Pads+%26+Calipers,wpn_scat_name:Brake+Calipers+%26+Components,part:Brake+Caliper)