We've examined and tested several Gen 4 flywheel clutch assemblies introduced to the Viper market that have fell short of their claims. The ability to hold power is not the only deciding factor when purchasing a clutch. Drivability, chatter and clutch engagement are just as important factors when producing a top notch replacement product for the Viper. The main issues we've seen with the RPS design is as follows:
*(TEC) engine error codes which will affect the engines performance and become an intermittent nightmare. With the introduction of the CAN operation system controlling the Gen 4 Viper, TEC and misfire error codes will greatly affect the Vipers performance. All systems are linked and these CEL's can create other issues that can't be resolved.
* An extreme short 1" pedal throw which is not desirable in the Viper. This can cause racing of the engine between shifts exagerated by the drive by wire throttle response. Now you've ended up with an on and off switch for a clutch.
*Excessive chatter which is moderate at first but increases with clutch wear. This is typical in a stand driven solid puck clutch design.
We were asked by RPS to help correct and redesign their clutch package, since we were the only company able to fully performance test and critique their clutch pack with actual data. The end result was us finding the clutches limitations due to it's inherent flaw in the RPS design which based it's Viper clutch program on a Corvette clutch system, using a completely different master cylinder size and design. An unacceptable solution was proposed by the manufacturer to replace the Viper's larger master cylinder with the Corvettes inferior smaller master cylinder. This would be a fitment nightmare and would also create more heat in an already extreme environment.
This we found typical with companies who come from the Asian import markets who attempt to develope new products for American Muscle cars and assume Corvette is created equal to the Viper (It's not)..
We have since moved on with all do respect to the mentioned company.
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So let's move forward to what's going on at Bad Boyzz Garage today. We have had a solid working relationship with RAM Clutches since 2006 and have jointly developed and engineered the Gen 3 & Gen 4 Viper Sportsman Flywheel Clutch Assemblies shown below. RAM Clutches are highly regarded in the industry as leaders in drag racing, circle track, road racing and high performance street clutch technology and meet all motorsports sanctioning body requirements. Our replacement light weight, high torque capacity units come in 2 different configurations.
Option 1:
Viper Sportsman - Engineered for high performance street / track days, utilizing our silky smooth 300 series organic friction material with our strapped floater plate technology. This unit is for the owner that wants like stock pedal feel and clutch engagment.
Option 2:
Viper Competition - Engineered for road racing, drag strip, standing mile & auto-X, utilizing our 900 series metalic friction material with our stand driven floater plate technology. The competition units are for race teams and the serious track day warrior's who require absolute performance while still maintaining a stock like pedal feel with moderately aggressive engagement. We believe that stand driven floater plates are a must in full competition Vipers to ensure durability and longevity throughout the racing season.
These two clutches are the only true plug and play units on the market that do not throw (TEC) engine error codes and are fully SFI certified.
To date our Viper Gen 4 Competition units have run Sebring and Road Atlanta at NARA sponsored racing events and independantly at Laguna Seca with absolutely no issues. It's brother the Viper Gen 3 Competition units have run at Laguna Seca, Infineon, Thunderhill, Button Willows, Fernely NV and the Virginia City Hill Climb with great success as well.
We are also in full development and ready to release shortly our new replacement high performance release bearing & slave cylinder assembly for Gen 2-3-4 Viper transmissions. This will be the solution that many tuners and Viper owners with high performance clutch applications have been looking for. Engineered with adjustability and high pressure plate load capacity along with a much needed precision steel release bearing. Run this universal upgrade with Dodges OEM single and dual disc style clutches or with our Sportsman series.
Regarding typical daily driving, spirited track or occasional drag strip use, I can partially agree that upgrading to one of our high performance Sportsman's may not be necessary as stated by some for moderate performance applications, but until you get behind the wheel of a Gen 4-3-2 Viper with one of our light weight units and feel your V10 rev much faster than before and now you've got that competitive edge in acceleration and late braking from faster engine deceleration, you may walk away with a different opinion.
P.S. Canyon707 good luck with your Drag Racing at Infineon this year, I'll drive on down and help pit crew!!
Thanks for your consideration,
BAD BOYZZ GARAGE, INC.
Toddy
=DISTRIBUTORS OF POWER= 
