Track Question ?

[banshe302]

I have a 2004 vert with 14,ooo.oo on the clock . I am doing a track day at pocono and was wondering if i should change my break fluid and my pads . I took a look at all the pads and they have about 1/4'' of pad left any comments and where and what pads and break fluid to use . thanx for the advice in advance .

[Paul Hawker]

1/4'' is gonna be a problem at Pocono.

Would replace them with stock brake pads and stock fluids unless you are looking for significant upgrade.

The stock setup is pretty good stuff.

Be sure to break them in before track day. 5 or 6 hard stops from 60 ought to do it.

[JonB - PartsRack]

Originally Posted by banshe302

I have a 2004 vert with 14,ooo.oo on the clock . I am doing a track day at pocono and was wondering if i should change my break fluid and my pads . I took a look at all the pads and they have about 1/4'' of pad left any comments and where and what pads and break fluid to use . thanx for the advice in advance .

Novices can be hard on BRAKES, and you dont want anything to BREAK.

If your BRAKE fluid is darker than corn oil, CHANGE IT. ABSOLUTELY.
If its 4-5 years old ORIGINAL, CHANGE IT. ABSOLUTELY. It wont BREAK the Bank.

.25" of FRONT PAD is likely just barely enuf for a 4-session day. Not enuf for 5-sessions. Its OK for a rear pad. Save em for rear spares, (interchangeable F=R) and get some new pads.

If you plan a LOT of track days, get Brakeman 3. $259, And get Stainless lines, $179 whole car.

If you plan 1-2 events / year get EBC Red or Yellow, (less DUST with red, decent novice track days, cheap at $109.)

Will they let you run with no hard top and no bar? CHECK THAT FIRST !!!

[2006red/whitecoupe]

Yes and Yes, call John Archer at 218-727-4806 at Archer Racing and he can suggest fluid and pads. I am not familiar with the layout at Pocono; if this is a road course with heavy braking, you can't go with old fluid...it will boil out and the pedal will go to the floor when you need it the most.

[Viper X]

14,000 miles and only 1/4" of pad left???? Unless you're tracking this car regularly, something doens't sound right.

On the brake fluid, try Motul 600. This is what I've been running. Call JonB.

On the pads, the stock pads are very good if you only track your car a few times a year. Others are good as well. I'd avoid the "low dust" pads if I were planning to track my car. They just don't hold up as well on the track.

Dan

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

This the Tech Inspection form for Pocono. Note the brake pad spec. 50% of original.

Pre-Track
Tech Inspection
Form
Year: _________________ Make: _______________________________________ Model _______________________________________________
Owner/Driver: __________________________________________________ ___________ Car Color______________________________________
Address:___________________________________ City:________________________________ State:______________________________________
Zip: ___________________-__________________ Tel: (________)________________________________________

VEHICLE INSPECTION DISCLAIMER

: This evaluation is not intended, and should not be relied upon, to create a safe condition for your vehicle

during it’s use outside of this event or during the event itself.You agree to hold harmless the event sponsors and technicians from any liability arising
from the operation of your vehicle outside of, or in transit to or from, this event, or the operation of your vehicle during this event, from
mechanical problems occurring in your car which are not uncovered during this inspection. Each participant in the event assumes personal responsibility
for operating his or her vehicle and for maintaining optimum mechanical condition of the vehicle.This inspection is intended ONLY
as a second tier safety measure in order to provide a safer event for all participating. DRIVER INITIAL HERE: _________________________________
Inspector Name: ___________________________________________ Signature of Inspector: _________________________________________
Date: ________/________/________ Dealer Name: __________________________________________________ ________________________
TECH INSPECTOR

: Please evaluate this vehicle’s suitability for high

speed driving on a race track, under extreme lateral G loading, and fully
utilizing the braking system,as well as its ability to accelerate repeatedly.
Please check the box if satisfactory and “X” if not satisfactory. Use the
comments area to describe any existing or potential areas of concern.
Make as thorough a visual inspection as possible just short of extensive
disassembly.Vehicle inspection must be made no earlier than May 13th.
Brake Fluid - DOT 4 or better, less than 2 months old.
Date last changed: ____/____/____
Brake Pedal - firm & high
Brake Calipers,Cylinders,Lines,& Hoses - no leaks or bulges,all parts
in suitable condition.
Brake pads - no excessive wear,minimum 50% original thickness.
Brake Lights - functional & bright.
Steering - no excessive play, no binding.
Tie Rod Ends - no wear or excessive play
Suspension - No excessive wear,weakness of springs, shocks.
Ball Joints & King Pins - no excessive wear.
Front wheel bearings - not too tight or loose, smooth turning.
Rear Wheel Bearings - check for excessive radial & axle play
Wheels - suitable condition; check wire wheel spokes.
Lug Nuts: secure/torqued
Tires - VR, Z, or racing,worn not less than 3/32”, no cuts or dry rot
Accessory Drive Belts - good condition, proper tensioning.
Hoses & Fuel Lines - Good condition, securely fastened.
Engine/Transmission/Differential - no excessive leaks.
Radiator/overflow tank - secure, no leaks, holding pressure.
Battery - “hold down” secure, caps tight, terminals clean.
Throttle - linkage smooth, quick, positive action.
Drive Shaft, Half Shafts, Joints, Boots & Bearings - sound & secure.
Exhaust system - no leaks, secure.
Body & Frame - no loose panels or dangerous protrusions.

[XCELR8N]

Do you have a roll bar installed? According to the track a roll bar is required, no stock convertibles will be allowed to run. The track is checking with their insurance company to see if the stock Viper verts can run, but they have been checking for several weeks and they still dont have permission from their insurance company. I have been dealing with this and talking to people running the event and VCA officers.

If you dont have a roll bar in your vert, I would not plan on attending.

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Yes change your brake fluid.
Yes change your pads.

[banshe302]

Thanx guys for the fed back and a special thanx to John B @ PARTS RACK he always comes through and fast i might say . Thank god for guys like John B . he realy knows his stuffffff!

[valentine_viper]

Originally Posted by XCELR8N

Do you have a roll bar installed? According to the track a roll bar is required, no stock convertibles will be allowed to run. The track is checking with their insurance company to see if the stock Viper verts can run, but they have been checking for several weeks and they still dont have permission from their insurance company. I have been dealing with this and talking to people running the event and VCA officers.

If you dont have a roll bar in your vert, I would not plan on attending.

I ran my stock '04 at this event a couple years ago. Factory roll hoops were acceptable on a vert then. I hope they are not changing that ruling as it will eliminate a lot of cars.

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by 2006red/whitecoupe

I am not familiar with the layout at Pocono; if this is a road course with heavy braking, you can't go with old fluid...it will boil out and the pedal will go to the floor when you need it the most.

From what I've heard Pocono isnt too bad on brakes.

BUT

Also remember that being new, as mentioned before you will likely overuse the brakes, stock fluid (also mentioned) will have a much higher tendency for fade and boil. The low pads also increase heat. So in short, you at LEAST need fluid and pads.

I've had brake failure before (not in Viper, but I've seen it happen in one) and it's not fun. AT ALL.

[banshe302]

Thanks again guys . Here are more questions ? 1) What is the best way to change the break fluid . 2) any input on changing the trannie and engine mounts I had a problem in the past shifting from 2nd to 3rd and the shifter went inbetween gears like it was in nutral any input would be helpfull thanx again .

[Viper X]

1) "What is the best way to change the break fluid ."

Depends on the tools you have available to you. I change my own brake fluid regularly. Start by sucking out the old fluid at the reservoir and adding new. Then go to the furthest wheel from the master cylinder and begin bleeding. I use a "suction" type bleeder and then finish up manually. Others use a pressure bleeder. You can do it the old fashion way if you have a helper. Check the manual for more information (or just pay someone if you don't know how to do this).

2) any input on changing the trannie and engine mounts.

Yes, call Wood house and order their poly mounts. This is a very good upgrade as many Vipers wear their engine / trans mounts out at fairly low mileage. The result if difficult shifting among other things.

Good luck,

Dan

[Andrew/USPWR]

Originally Posted by banshe302

I have a 2004 vert with 14,ooo.oo on the clock . I am doing a track day at pocono and was wondering if i should change my break fluid and my pads . I took a look at all the pads and they have about 1/4'' of pad left any comments and where and what pads and break fluid to use . thanx for the advice in advance .

Absolutely to both.

[banshe302]

Thank You Dan Viper X for the input .