When your high-performance build demands a clutch that can handle serious power without slipping, the search for the right component is critical. The ACT HDG6 series represents a benchmark in high-torque clutch technology, designed for drivers who push their vehicles on the street and at the track. These 6-puck sprung hub clutches, often paired with performance flywheels, are engineered for aggressive engagement and exceptional durability.
Selecting the correct model for your specific application is essential for both performance and longevity. This roundup breaks down eight of the best ACT HDG6 clutch kits available, highlighting their key features and ideal use cases. Whether you drive a modified Dodge Neon SRT-4, a Ford Focus RS, or require a conversion kit, there is an HDG6 solution built to manage the torque your engine produces.
Our Top ACT HDG6 Clutch Kit Picks
- ACT SB11-HDG6 Clutch Kit with Streetlite Flywheel
- ACT DN3-HDG6 HD Clutch Kit for Dodge Neon SRT-4
- ACT Clutch Kit for Dodge Neon HD/Race Sprung 6 Pad
- ACT AI4-HDG6 Race Sprung 6-Pad Clutch Kit
- ACT Clutch Kit for Ford Focus HD/Race Sprung 6 Pad
- ACT HDG6 6-Puck Sprung Hub Ceramic Clutch Kit
- ACT HDG6 Heavy Duty Clutch and Streetlite Flywheel Kit
- ACT HDG6 Clutch Kit with XACT Streetlite Flywheel
ACT SB11-HDG6 Clutch Kit with Streetlite Flywheel
This comprehensive kit is designed for applications requiring a conversion to a 240mm clutch setup. It combines the aggressive holding power of the HDG6 6-puck sprung disc with the performance benefits of a Streetlite flywheel. The inclusion of the flywheel helps reduce rotational mass, which can lead to improved throttle response and faster engine revving.
ACT stands behind this kit with a commitment to “Excellence in Performance,” supported by a robust one-year warranty. This makes it a reliable choice for enthusiasts looking for a complete, high-quality solution for their high-torque build. It is an ideal package for those performing an engine swap or an upgrade that necessitates a different clutch size.
ACT DN3-HDG6 HD Clutch Kit for Dodge Neon SRT-4
Engineered specifically for the 2003-2005 Dodge Neon SRT-4, this clutch kit is built to handle the demands of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 6-puck sprung hub design provides a firm, positive engagement that is necessary for managing high torque levels, making it a favorite for modified vehicles.
This kit is marketed for both street and track use, offering a balance between performance and daily driveability. The sprung hub helps dampen gear noise and shock, providing a more civilized experience during normal driving while still delivering race-ready performance when you need it.
ACT Clutch Kit for Dodge Neon HD/Race Sprung 6 Pad
This is another variant of the proven DN3-HDG6 kit, confirming its compatibility with the Dodge Neon platform. It features the same heavy-duty, race-oriented design with a sprung 6-pad disc. The use of ceramic friction material is a key feature, providing high heat tolerance and a low wear rate for extended clutch life under strenuous conditions.
For owners of the relevant Dodge Neon models, this kit represents a direct bolt-on solution for significant power upgrades. The ceramic material ensures that the clutch can withstand the intense heat generated during aggressive driving and high-rpm shifts, maintaining consistent performance.
ACT AI4-HDG6 Race Sprung 6-Pad Clutch Kit
Designed for a low to moderate pedal feel, this kit offers an aggressive engagement characteristic that is ideal for performance driving. ACT’s exclusive diaphragm spring design is a highlight, as it is engineered to provide longer clutch life compared to standard designs by managing stress and heat more effectively.
The premium ceramic friction materials further contribute to the kit’s durability, offering low wear rates and exceptional tolerance to high temperatures. This combination of a user-friendly pedal effort and race-proven durability makes it a strong option for drivers who use their vehicle as a weekend warrior or for competitive events.
ACT Clutch Kit for Ford Focus HD/Race Sprung 6 Pad
Tailored for the 2013-2018 Ford Focus RS, this HDG6 kit is built to cope with the substantial torque output of this high-performance hatchback. The FF5-HDG6 part number indicates a specific application, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance for this vehicle platform.
The ceramic disc material is chosen for its ability to handle the heat and stress associated with the Focus RS’s powerful engine and all-wheel-drive system. For owners tuning their RS for more power, this clutch provides the necessary upgrade to maintain reliable and effective power transfer to the drivetrain.
ACT HDG6 6-Puck Sprung Hub Ceramic Clutch Kit
This listing represents the core HDG6 product line, a heavy-duty 6-puck clutch with a sprung hub. The sprung hub design is crucial for street-driven vehicles, as it absorbs driveline shock and reduces gear rattle, making engagement smoother than a solid hub puck clutch. The ceramic friction material is the standard for this series, chosen for its high thermal capacity and durability.
It is an excellent choice for a wide range of high-torque applications where a direct replacement is needed. The kit provides a significant upgrade in holding power over stock organic clutches, making it suitable for turbocharged, supercharged, or high-compression naturally aspirated engines.
ACT HDG6 Heavy Duty Clutch and Streetlite Flywheel Kit
This package pairs the robust HDG6 clutch disc and pressure plate with ACT’s popular Streetlite flywheel. The Streetlite flywheel is engineered to be significantly lighter than a stock unit, which reduces the engine’s rotating mass. This reduction translates to quicker engine acceleration and deceleration, improving throttle response.
For performance drivers, this combination is often the ideal setup. You get the high torque capacity of the HDG6 clutch along with the engine response benefits of a lightweight flywheel. This kit is designed for those looking to maximize the performance of their vehicle with a single, coordinated package.
ACT HDG6 Clutch Kit with XACT Streetlite Flywheel
Similar to the previous kit, this offering includes the HDG6 clutch combined with the XACT Streetlite flywheel. The XACT branding signifies ACT’s own line of precision-machined flywheels, ensuring perfect compatibility and balance with their clutch components. This synergy between parts guarantees optimal performance and reliability.
Choosing a kit from a single manufacturer for both the clutch and flywheel ensures that all components are designed to work together seamlessly. This eliminates potential compatibility issues and provides a balanced, high-performance rotating assembly for your engine, which is vital for both performance and longevity.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the Best ACT HDG6 Clutch
When you’re building an engine for serious power, the clutch becomes one of the most critical components. It’s the single point that transfers all that torque from your motor to your transmission, and if it fails, you’re going nowhere fast. I’ve spent a lot of time looking at high-performance clutches, and the ACT HDG6 series consistently comes up as a top contender for high-torque applications. But not all setups are the same, so here’s what I consider before making a choice.
First, you absolutely must be honest about your torque output. The ACT HDG6 is rated for a specific range, and exceeding it is a recipe for a burnt clutch and a bad day. I always look at my engine’s realistic, dyno-proven torque numbers, not just the hopeful, theoretical maximum. It’s better to have a little headroom than to be right at the limit. Think about how you use the car, too. Is it a weekend warrior that sees occasional track time, or a daily driver that also makes big power? This influences the clutch’s disc material and overall character.
The next big decision is the disc type. ACT offers the HDG6 with either a sprung hub or a solid hub disc. For a street-driven car, even a powerful one, I almost always go with the sprung hub. Those little springs help dampen the shock and vibration from the engine, which makes for a smoother engagement and is much easier on your transmission gears. The solid hub is for all-out race applications where you need the most direct connection and are willing to sacrifice drivability for ultimate strength.
Then there’s the pressure plate. The HDG6 uses a heavy-duty pressure plate, but you need to make sure it’s matched correctly to your flywheel. A new, resurfaced flywheel that meets ACT’s specifications is non-negotiable for proper clamp load and longevity. I never try to cut corners here. I also consider the pedal feel. A clutch this robust will have a heavier pedal than a stock unit. It’s something you get used to, but it’s a real consideration for a car that sits in traffic often.
Finally, I think about the complete kit. A good review of the best ACT HDG6 clutch for high-torque applications should note that it often comes as a complete kit with a new throw-out bearing and alignment tool. Using these provided components ensures everything works together as designed. Skipping the new bearing to save a few bucks is a gamble I’m never willing to take when the transmission is already out. Getting the right clutch isn’t just about holding power; it’s about how it integrates into your entire drivetrain for reliable, consistent performance.
FAQ
How much torque can the ACT HDG6 clutch actually hold?
ACT officially rates the HDG6 clutch to hold up to 775 lb-ft of torque. It’s important to remember that this is a general rating and the actual sustainable torque can be influenced by factors like your specific vehicle, driving style, and the health of your entire drivetrain. I always recommend having a comfortable safety margin. If you’re making 700 lb-ft, the HDG6 is a great fit, but if you’re pushing 770 lb-ft, you might be operating too close to its limit for long-term reliability.
Is the ACT HDG6 suitable for a daily driver?
This is a common question, and the answer depends on your tolerance for a performance-oriented setup. The HDG6 is definitely more aggressive than a stock clutch. The pedal effort will be noticeably heavier, and engagement can be a bit more abrupt, especially with the solid hub disc option. For a daily driver, I would strongly suggest the sprung hub disc version. It makes the clutch much more manageable in stop-and-go traffic while still providing immense holding power.
What is the difference between a sprung hub and a solid hub disc?
The core difference is in damping. A sprung hub disc has small torsion springs built into the hub that absorb some of the engine’s rotational pulses and shock during engagement. This makes the clutch more forgiving and is better for the synchros in your transmission. A solid hub disc is a single, rigid unit. It provides the most direct connection and is slightly stronger, but it transmits all engine vibration and makes engagement very harsh. I only choose a solid hub for a dedicated race car.
Do I need to upgrade my flywheel when installing an HDG6 clutch?
Yes, you should. ACT designs their clutch kits to work with a specific flywheel surface and step height. The best practice is to use a new ACT flywheel or have your existing one professionally resurfaced to their exact specifications. Using an old, worn, or improperly machined flywheel can lead to premature clutch failure, chatter, and inconsistent engagement. It’s a critical part of the system, not just a mounting point.
What kind of break-in procedure does the ACT HDG6 require?
A proper break-in is essential for any performance clutch, and the HDG6 is no exception. I typically follow a 500-mile street break-in period. This means no full-throttle launches, no high-RPM shifts, and avoiding excessive slipping. The goal is to gradually heat cycle the clutch facing material to allow it to mate perfectly with the flywheel and pressure plate surfaces. A careful review of the best ACT HDG6 clutch for high-torque applications will always stress this step; skipping it can glaze the disc and permanently reduce its holding capacity.