Non-ABS equipped Gen-2 Vipers have terrible brake bias. We install new rear calipers with larger pistons to improve the brake bias and stopping performance of our Viper. We also upgrade the pads and install stainless steel brake lines from Stoptech.
Until 2001, Vipers did not have Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS). The Viper is probably the last sports car to ever install ABS. Prior to this, Dodge was overly conservative in making the car stable without ABS and gave the car a 70.3% front brake bias. Keeping in mind that the front of the car only carries 48% of the weight of the car (yes, the Viper is rear-heavy), this excessive front bias causes the front tires to lock well before the rears.
The Viper is a parts-bin special and actually used the rear caliper from the Lotus Elise. Seriously.
The tiny single-piston, sliding caliper is the size of the parking brake on many cars. The brake pad size and swept area is extremely small for a 3,375lb car.
We unbolted the two caliper bolts and then removed the caliper.
The new modified caliper (right) is physically identical to a factory caliper (left).
The Elise-sourced rear caliper features a 36mm piston.
Quick Reference:
Page 1 – Stock rear brake caliper removal and measurements.
Page 2 – Rear 40mm calipers, stainless steel lines, and upgraded pads.
Page 3 – Replacing front brake lines with stainless steel.
Page 4 – Upgraded front brake pads and install.
1 comment
Where did you find the 40mm calipers?