Choosing the right clutch is a critical decision for any vehicle owner, whether you’re building a weekend track monster or simply want a more responsive feel for your daily commute. A performance clutch can dramatically improve power transfer, reduce slippage, and provide a more engaging driving experience. The market is filled with options, from budget-friendly upgrades for small engines to robust kits for high-horsepower applications.
Navigating these choices requires understanding your vehicle’s needs and your driving style. This roundup simplifies that process by highlighting eight of the best AP Racing and compatible clutch kits available. We’ve compiled a range of products for various applications, from scooters and go-karts to popular Honda platforms, ensuring you can find the perfect balance of performance and durability for your project.
Our Top Picks for Performance Clutches
- Glixal High Performance Racing Clutch Assy for GY6 125cc 150cc
- Glixal High Performance Racing Clutch Shoe for GY6 49cc 50cc
- JRL Racing Heavy Duty Clutch Pad for 43cc-50cc 2-Stroke Engine
- Glixal High Performance Racing Clutch Assy for GY6 49cc 50cc
- XTD STAGE 2 RACING CLUTCH & FLYWHEEL KIT for 92-05 CIVIC
- XTD STAGE 3 RACING CLUTCH & FLYWHEEL KIT for RSX/CIVIC Si
- AP Racing CP5206-1 Performance Organic Clutch Kit
- AP Racing CP5206-2 Performance Paddle Clutch Kit
Glixal High Performance Racing Clutch Assy for GY6 125cc 150cc
This complete clutch assembly from Glixal is engineered for GY6 125cc and 150cc engines commonly found in Chinese scooters, mopeds, and ATVs. It is a direct replacement unit that offers a performance-oriented upgrade over stock components. The assembly includes a clutch bell with 19 splines and a robust pulley, designed for improved engagement and power transfer.
Key features include a 138mm outer diameter on the clutch bell and a 141mm pulley, ensuring a precise fit for compatible engines. The inclusion of a high-quality HK202918RS needle bearing in the pulley promotes smooth operation and reduces friction, contributing to the unit’s overall durability and consistent performance under demanding conditions.
Glixal High Performance Racing Clutch Shoe for GY6 49cc 50cc
For smaller displacement engines like the 139QMA and 139QMB, this Glixal racing clutch shoe provides a straightforward performance boost. It is an essential component for 49cc and 50cc scooters, mopeds, and go-karts that need a more aggressive engagement point. The kit is designed for a direct swap, simplifying the installation process.
A significant benefit of this set is the inclusion of 2000RPM clutch springs. These stiffer springs raise the engagement RPM, which helps prevent bogging during hard acceleration and provides a more immediate connection between the engine and the drivetrain. With an overall outer diameter of 105mm, it is crucial to verify compatibility with your specific model before purchase.
JRL Racing Heavy Duty Clutch Pad for 43cc-50cc 2-Stroke Engine
The JRL Racing clutch pads are a heavy-duty solution for 2-stroke engines powering mini motos, pocket bikes, and small ATVs. Engineered as a high-performance upgrade, these pads are built to deliver smoother engagement and superior power transfer compared to standard OEM parts. They are ideal for young riders and racing enthusiasts who demand reliability.
Constructed with reinforced materials, these clutch pads are made to withstand high RPMs and aggressive use. The precision fit, with a 75mm outer diameter and 15mm inner diameter, ensures compatibility with a wide range of China-made mini bikes and quads. This robust construction reduces slippage and can extend the service life of your drive system.
Glixal High Performance Racing Clutch Assy for GY6 49cc 50cc
This is another complete clutch assembly from Glixal, specifically tailored for 49cc and 50cc engines using the 139QMA/139QMB platform. It offers a full replacement solution for riders looking to improve the performance and reliability of their scooter or go-kart. The assembly comes ready to install with performance-oriented springs pre-fitted.
Notable specifications include a clutch bell with 22 splines and a 117mm outer diameter. Like its larger counterpart, this unit features a high-quality needle bearing (HK172518RS) for the pulley, which aids in reducing rotational friction. The included 2000RPM clutch springs ensure higher engagement, providing a snappier throttle response ideal for racing applications.
XTD STAGE 2 RACING CLUTCH & FLYWHEEL KIT for 92-05 CIVIC
Stepping up to automotive applications, the XTD Stage 2 kit is designed for Honda Civic and Del Sol models with D-Series motors. This kit provides a significant upgrade for drivers who need a clutch that can handle increased torque from engine modifications or simply desire a more robust unit for spirited daily driving. The inclusion of a lightweight flywheel improves engine revving speed.
This complete kit is assembled in the U.S. using high-quality components and is built to OEM specifications for a correct fit. The Stage 2 clutch offers a good balance between increased clamping force and manageable pedal effort, making it suitable for both performance use and regular street driving. The lightweight flywheel helps reduce rotational mass for quicker acceleration.
XTD STAGE 3 RACING CLUTCH & FLYWHEEL KIT for RSX/CIVIC Si
For high-performance Honda applications with K-Series engines, the XTD Stage 3 kit is a formidable choice. Compatible with the 2002-2006 Acura RSX and Civic Si, this clutch and flywheel combination is built to manage the demands of forced induction, high-RPM track use, and aggressive street driving. The kit includes a 10-pound flywheel for minimal rotational inertia.
Like all XTD products, this kit is designed to OEM specs and assembled with top-tier materials to ensure reliability. The Stage 3 clutch provides a high clamp load to prevent slippage under extreme power levels. While offering robust performance, the company also provides access to highly trained customer support to assist with technical questions during installation.
AP Racing CP5206-1 Performance Organic Clutch Kit
The AP Racing CP5206-1 represents the pinnacle of performance clutch technology from a renowned manufacturer. This organic clutch kit is engineered for drivers who require a significant increase in torque capacity without sacrificing daily driveability. The organic friction material provides a smooth and progressive engagement, similar to an OEM clutch but with much higher performance limits.
This kit is ideal for fast road use and track days where consistent performance and heat resistance are paramount. AP Racing’s reputation for quality and motorsport success is built into every component, ensuring that this clutch can handle repeated hard use. It is a popular choice for modified vehicles that see dual duty on the street and the circuit.
AP Racing CP5206-2 Performance Paddle Clutch Kit
For the most extreme applications, the AP Racing CP5206-2 paddle clutch kit offers maximum bite and power transfer. This kit utilizes a paddle design, which features segmented friction surfaces for aggressive engagement and superior resistance to high-temperature fade. It is the go-to choice for dedicated race cars or highly modified street vehicles with substantial power upgrades.
The on/off engagement characteristic of a paddle clutch provides immediate lock-up, which is beneficial for launching and high-RPM shifts on a track. While it may be less smooth in low-speed traffic than an organic clutch, its ability to handle immense torque levels is unmatched. This kit embodies AP Racing’s commitment to providing top-tier solutions for professional-level competition.
Buying Guide: Finding the Right AP Racing Clutch for Your Needs
Choosing the right clutch is a big deal. It is the link between your engine’s power and getting that power to the wheels, so getting it wrong can mean a miserable driving experience. I have spent a lot of time under hoods and in driver’s seats, and when it comes to performance clutches, AP Racing is a name that consistently stands out. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one for your car and how you use it? This guide will walk you through the key things I consider before making a purchase.
First, you need to be honest about how you use your car. Is it a dedicated track monster that sees redline shifts every weekend? Or is it your daily driver that also sees some spirited backroad action on the weekends? For a pure daily driver, you want a clutch that is civil. Look for organic or sprung hub designs from AP Racing. These units are much more forgiving, with a pedal feel that is not too heavy and engagement that is smooth and predictable. You do not want a punishing clutch pedal in stop-and-go traffic. If your car is a weekend warrior or sees track time, you can handle a more aggressive setup. Paddle clutches or rigid hub designs offer incredible bite and can handle brutal shock loads, but they often come with a very on/off engagement that can be a pain in a parking lot.
Next, think about torque capacity. This is the single most important performance number. The clutch must be able to hold the torque your engine produces. I always look for a clutch rated for at least 10-20% more torque than my engine is currently making. This gives you a safety margin and ensures the clutch will not slip under hard acceleration. Buying a clutch that is at its limit from day one is a recipe for a short lifespan and burnt surfaces. AP Racing provides clear torque ratings for their kits, so match that to your power goals.
Finally, do not forget about the flywheel. Many high-performance AP Racing clutch kits are designed to work with a specific, often lighter, flywheel. A lighter flywheel reduces rotational mass, which allows the engine to rev up and down more quickly. This is fantastic for performance driving and throttle response, but it can make smooth take-offs trickier for an inexperienced driver. It is a trade-off. For a daily driver, I often prefer a standard or dual-mass flywheel for its smoothness. For a performance build, a lightweight single-mass flywheel is usually the way to go. Make sure your chosen clutch and flywheel are a compatible pair.
Ultimately, the best AP Racing clutch for you is the one that matches your driving style and power level without making your car a chore to drive. It is a balance between performance, durability, and drivability. Taking the time to assess your real needs will lead you to the perfect component for your build, ensuring you get the performance you want without sacrificing the usability you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an AP Racing clutch good for a daily driver?
Absolutely, but you have to pick the right one. AP Racing makes a range of clutches, and some are specifically designed with street use in mind. I would steer you towards their kits that use an organic friction material and a sprung hub. These setups absorb some of the shock of engagement, making the pedal feel lighter and the take-off much smoother. This is crucial for comfort in traffic. Avoid their race-oriented paddle or rigid hub clutches for a daily, as they can be very grabby and have a heavy pedal that gets old fast.
How do I know what torque rating I need for my clutch?
This is all about your engine’s output. You need to know how much torque your engine is producing at the wheels. A good rule of thumb I use is to take that number and add a 15-20% safety margin. So, if your car makes 400 lb-ft of torque, look for a clutch rated for at least 460-480 lb-ft. This extra capacity ensures the clutch can handle hard launches, quick shifts, and any future power increases without slipping. It is always better to have a little too much clutch than not enough.
What is the difference between a sprung hub and a rigid hub?
Think of the hub as the center part of the clutch disc that connects to the transmission input shaft. A sprung hub has a set of small springs between the hub and the friction surface. These springs act as a cushion, dampening the shock and vibration during engagement. This makes for a much smoother, quieter, and more forgiving clutch, which is why I recommend it for street cars. A rigid hub is a solid, direct connection. It is stronger and can handle more abrupt engagement, which is good for racing, but it transmits every bit of shock and noise, making it very harsh for normal driving.
Will a performance clutch make my pedal heavier?
Often, yes. A performance clutch is built to handle more power, and that usually means a stronger pressure plate. A stronger pressure plate requires more force to disengage, which translates to a heavier pedal feel. However, the difference is not always dramatic, especially with modern street-performance kits from brands like AP Racing. Some of their street-oriented kits have a pedal feel very close to stock. If you are moving to a serious race clutch, be prepared for a significant increase in pedal effort.
Do I need to upgrade my flywheel when I install a new clutch?
In most performance applications, I strongly recommend it. The flywheel and clutch work as a matched system. Many high-performance clutch discs are designed to work with a specific, often lighter, flywheel surface. Using an old, worn, or incompatible flywheel can lead to premature clutch failure, chatter, and poor engagement. When you are doing a clutch job, it is the perfect time to resurface or replace the flywheel to ensure a perfect mating surface and optimal performance from your new 8 Best AP Racing Clutch Review for Performance and Daily Use.