Seeking advice for 1999 Slave Cylinder / "Throw Out Bearing"

[dalcini]

Hi All,
New to the forum. I have a replica Shelby Cobra with a 1999 Viper T-56 tranny in it. I've had intermittent clutch issues in the past (even upgraded from a Centerforce Dual Friction to a Mcleod Twin Disk about 8 years ago) and upon disassembly for an engine rebuild this summer, it appears the slave cyllinder (p/n 4642581 "Throw Out Bearing" originally purchased new from Chrysler dealership) has been leaking. From what I gather on this and other Viper forums, the OEM slave cyllinders from this general time period are/were problematic; possibly even causing some of my past clutch issues.

Google search for the 4642581 throw out bearing part number doesn't yield too many results, except for the part interchange page linked below - and I'm not sure which of these replacements to trust. Since my car is apart, I wonder if any of you good Viper folks have any advice/recommendations for a compatible and better aftermarket unit for the 4642581 throw out bearing?

Link to part interchange page I ran across:
http://www.yoyopart.com/oem/12584676...ml#interchange


Any comments/advice greatly appreciated!
Danny

[dave6666]

The best non OEM part is Bad Boys Garage. The OEM are not problematic unless you consider parts that don't last forever to be problematic.

[Mbccenter]

I have a very slightly used BBG aftermarket one if you like. I no longer need it so would sell. $350

[jasond29]

Search Tilton on this forum. I have been using the tilton for about 6 months now and love it. I went through a couple of the OEM units and they kept developing leaks.

[Fatboy 18]

Welcome to the forum, would be nice to see some pics of the car

I used to have a cobra replica

[dalcini]

Thanks for the info guys.

Dave6666, no offense meant by my comments regarding the dependability of stock slave cylinders - it's just the impression I got based on the various posts that my research found. Personally, mine failed at around 5,500 miles which is obviously poor. However, to be fair, I had to have a Lakewood bellhousing customized for my application to mate a T-56 to a Ford Big Block, and minor inaccuracies of that build caused subsequent issues in my motor - so it would be fair to consider that the slave cylinder might have also been affected; although I don't really see how.

Fatboy 18 - thanks for the welcome. I'm a big fan of Vipers (who isn't really?). I actually got to drive one back in 1994 because I was a contract CAD designer working on the 1996 GTS Coupe program for Chrysler. I created the math surface for the headliner in that vehicle. Chrysler was gracious enough to invite the team out to their eval track for a "ride and drive". I'll never forget that. I'll try to post a pic or two of my car...


So... I suppose then, that my options are either to go with a stock style replacement such as a Dorman for roughly $100.00, or go aftermarket and get either a BBG or Tilton for 3-4 times the price. It's a tough call. I'll kick myself if I have to open this thing up to replace another one of these.

Right now, I have to say I'm leaning toward biting the bullet and getting a Tilton. Their stuff seems to be of exceptional quality. Any opinions on my sanity here? ...and thanks to Jasond29 for the tip about the Tilton, by the way.

[dalcini]

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2004Apr09 005.jpg

[dalcini]

Hey Jasond29, you mentioned that you're very happy with your Tilton slave. Is this a comfortable unit for a weekend/pleasure car? I just want to be aware if there are tradeoffs in streetability for the durability this unit offers.

Thanks!

[Fatboy 18]

DSCF0050.jpg
2004Apr09 005.jpg

Nice, Here was mine

TVR Tuscan challenge series engine (V8 Buick block) Dry sumped 400 Bhp

Hanging around with a couple of mates back in 2002

[jasond29]

Dalcini, if anything it is smoother than OEM. I also installed a spec super twin clutch at the same time so it's hard to say but no more leak problems and it's smooth accurate engagement every time. Also have remote bleed line so it's easy to bleed as well.

[dalcini]

Fatboy18, that's a beautiful Cobra. Looks like you had all the good stuff on your motor. The engine was braided line heaven!

[dalcini]

Awesome - thanks Jasond29. I think I'm gonna spend the extra money and get the Tilton then. I'm not going to replace my clutch though - my Mcleod only has about 1000 miles on it so I'm hoping there's still a whole bunch of life left on that thing!