Editing Brembo Caliper (section)

== Upgrades ==

To improve a Viper’s stopping capability, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on massive 4-piston rear calipers, permanently cut up the rear suspension upright to make them fit, adjust them with an add-on proportioning valve, and give up your parking
brake… although it would look great (and weigh more!) The OEM calipers can be bored out to a larger size (just like an engine block) and the pistons can be sleeved to fit (as is done in auto restoration efforts.) The casting accommodates a “plus two”-size larger 40mm piston (Brembo parts come in even sizes, so 36mm to 38mm to 40mm is two steps), which increases the rear brake clamping force by 23%.


[[Image:Brembo_Caliper_4.JPG]]


This nicely complements the front brakes and allowed the same ’94 RT/10 to improve to over 1.0 G’s braking using the same brake hoses, pads, and mounting hardware. It is an easy two-three hour job for the DIY owner and retains the stock look, fits under the original wheel sizes and is externally undetectable. Best of all, the testament to “this is how Viper brakes should have been from the factory” is that they do not add points in the Viper Days Clas Matrix.


[[Image:Brembo_Caliper_5.JPG]]


The oldest Vipers are now approaching their 15th birthday, so it’s time to start preparing for the inevitable round of gathering hard-to-find parts. If you have any caliper questions, need sources for those small missing or broken brake parts, or are considering a rebuild or resize, share your questions and answers on the Viper Club website forums. My display name is Tom, F&L GoR and I’ll be happy to help. And yes I wish they looked nicer, but as ugly ducklings they can still do the job!

Original article Tom Hayden 1Oct06