When you’re pushing your vehicle’s performance to the next level, a stock clutch simply won’t cut it. The ACT HDG6 series is engineered for drivers who demand more power handling and unwavering reliability from their drivetrain. These heavy-duty clutch kits are the go-to choice for everything from spirited street driving to full-throttle track use, offering a significant upgrade in torque capacity without sacrificing daily driveability.
Choosing the right HDG6 model for your specific vehicle and performance goals is crucial. This roundup breaks down eight of the best ACT HDG6 clutch kits available, highlighting their key features and intended applications. Whether you drive a modified import, a domestic performance car, or a dedicated track machine, you can find a kit here that provides the robust performance and lasting quality you need.
Top ACT HDG6 Clutch Kits for Your Vehicle
- 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 Disc Clutch Kit
- ACT HDG6 Heavy Duty Street Disc Clutch Kit
- ACT HDG6 Pro-Lite XACT Flywheel and Street Clutch Kit
ACT SB11-HDG6 Clutch Kit with Streetlite Flywheel
This comprehensive kit is designed for a conversion to a 240mm setup and comes complete with a Streetlite flywheel, making it an excellent all-in-one solution. It promises excellence in performance, providing a significant increase in torque capacity for high-horsepower applications. The 6-puck sprung hub disc is central to its design, offering aggressive engagement while the sprung hub helps dampen gear noise for a more refined experience.
The inclusion of the Streetlite flywheel reduces rotational mass, which contributes to quicker engine revving and improved throttle response. ACT supports this high-performance kit with what they describe as the best one-year warranty in the industry, giving you confidence in the product’s durability and manufacturing quality.
ACT DN3-HDG6 HD Clutch Kit for Dodge Neon SRT-4
Engineered specifically for the 2003-2005 Dodge Neon SRT-4, this HDG6 kit brings ACT’s renowned quality to a popular performance platform. It is built to handle the increased torque from modified engines, making it a reliable upgrade for drivers pushing their SRT-4 beyond factory limits. The 6-puck sprung disc provides a strong, positive grip while managing noise and vibration.
This clutch kit is validated for both street and track use, offering a versatile performance profile. Whether you use your Neon for daily commuting or weekend autocross events, this clutch provides the robust holding power needed for consistent and dependable performance under various driving conditions.
ACT Clutch Kit for Dodge Neon HD/Race Sprung 6 Pad
As another variant for the Dodge Neon platform, this DN3-HDG6 model utilizes a ceramic disc material known for its durability and high heat tolerance. This makes it particularly well-suited for high-stress driving situations where clutch temperatures can soar. The ceramic friction material provides a sharp, aggressive engagement characteristic that performance drivers often prefer.
The HD/Race classification indicates this clutch sits at the higher end of the performance spectrum, capable of handling significant power increases over stock. Its design focuses on providing maximum holding power without the risk of slippage, even during hard launches or rapid shifts.
ACT AI4-HDG6 Race Sprung 6-Pad Clutch Kit
This kit is designed to offer a low to moderate pedal feel, reducing driver fatigue during heavy traffic while still providing aggressive engagement. ACT’s exclusive diaphragm design is a key feature, engineered to promote longer clutch life by ensuring even wear and consistent pressure plate load across the disc face. This thoughtful engineering extends the service interval of the clutch assembly.
The premium ceramic friction materials are selected for their low wear rates and exceptional ability to withstand high temperatures. This combination results in a clutch that maintains its performance characteristics over time, resisting the fade that can occur with inferior materials during sustained hard use.
ACT Clutch Kit for Ford Focus HD/Race Sprung 6 Pad
Specifically engineered for the 2013-2018 Ford Focus RS, this FF5-HDG6 kit addresses the needs of a modern turbocharged all-wheel-drive platform. The Focus RS is known for its substantial torque output, and this clutch is built to manage that power reliably, especially for owners who have performed engine modifications. The ceramic disc material ensures a high coefficient of friction for positive engagement.
As an HD/Race designated component, it provides a significant upgrade over the factory clutch, which can be a weak point in highly tuned vehicles. This kit allows Focus RS drivers to utilize the full potential of their vehicle’s performance without worrying about clutch slippage during aggressive driving.
ACT HDG6 6-Puck Sprung Hub Ceramic Disc Clutch Kit
This model represents the core of the ACT HDG6 lineup, featuring the signature 6-puck sprung hub disc with a ceramic friction surface. The sprung hub is a critical design element, as it incorporates springs that absorb the shock of engagement, protecting the driveline from harsh impacts and reducing gear rattle. This makes for a more civilized driving experience in a high-performance clutch.
The ceramic material used in the disc is chosen for its consistent performance and resistance to heat-induced fading. This kit is an ideal choice for drivers seeking a direct upgrade path that offers a substantial increase in holding power over a stock clutch, suitable for a wide range of vehicle applications.
ACT HDG6 Heavy Duty Street Disc Clutch Kit
Marketed as a heavy-duty street solution, this clutch kit is engineered for drivers who need robust performance without an overly aggressive pedal feel. It strikes a balance between the high clamp force required for modified engines and the daily driveability that makes a car pleasant to operate in normal conditions. The design prioritizes smooth engagement in low-speed scenarios.
This kit is an excellent choice for a street-driven performance car or a weekend cruiser that sees occasional track use. It provides the extra margin of safety and durability over a stock clutch that modified vehicles require, ensuring reliable power transfer from the engine to the transmission under all driving conditions.
ACT HDG6 Pro-Lite XACT Flywheel and Street Sprung 6-Puck Clutch Kit
This premium package pairs the proven HDG6 6-puck sprung clutch disc with ACT’s Pro-Lite XACT flywheel. The flywheel is a significant component, engineered to be significantly lighter than a stock unit. This reduction in rotating mass allows the engine to rev more freely, improving acceleration and throttle response across the power band.
The combination of the lightweight flywheel and the street-sprung 6-puck clutch creates a synergistic effect that enhances overall drivetrain performance. This kit is particularly beneficial for drivers looking to maximize the responsiveness of their engine while maintaining the strong, reliable clamping force the HDG6 series is known for.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a High-Performance Clutch
So, you’re thinking about an ACT HDG6 clutch. I get it; you need something that can handle more power than the stock unit without making daily driving a chore. I’ve been through this process myself, and there are a few key things you need to consider before pulling the trigger. It’s not just about buying the most expensive option; it’s about finding the right balance for your specific car and how you drive it.
First, you absolutely must be honest about your power goals and driving style. The ACT HDG6 is a heavy-duty, performance-oriented clutch, but even within that line, there are different pressure plates and disc materials. Are you just running a basic turbo upgrade and driving to work every day? Or are you building a dedicated track monster? For street use with moderate power increases, a setup with a sprung hub disc and a street-oriented pressure plate is a fantastic choice. It will be manageable in traffic but still hold the power you’re making. If you’re pushing serious torque or plan on frequent drag strip launches, you’ll need a higher clamp force pressure plate and likely a more aggressive disc material, which will come with a heavier pedal feel.
Next, think about the flywheel. Are you resurfacing your old one or buying a new one? This is a critical step. A clutch will never last if it’s mated to a warped or improperly surfaced flywheel. Many people, myself included, opt for a new lightweight flywheel from ACT when installing a clutch like the HDG6. A lighter flywheel reduces rotational mass, which lets the engine rev up and down more quickly. It makes the car feel more responsive, but it can also make it slightly trickier to drive smoothly from a stop until you get used to it. It’s a trade-off between responsiveness and low-speed driveability.
Finally, don’t forget about the install. This is not a job for a first-time mechanic in a driveway without the right tools. You need a transmission jack, the correct alignment tools, and a torque wrench. Improper installation is the number one cause of premature clutch failure. I always recommend having a professional mechanic handle the installation if you have any doubts. Also, remember that a new clutch requires a proper break-in period. This usually means around 500 miles of gentle, city-style driving with no full-throttle launches or high-RPM shifts. It feels tedious, but it’s essential for letting the friction materials seat properly and ensuring a long life for your new ACT HDG6 clutch. Taking the time to do this right means your clutch will perform reliably for tens of thousands of miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower and torque can the ACT HDG6 clutch handle?
The exact torque capacity depends on the specific combination of pressure plate and disc you choose within the HDG6 series. Generally, these clutches are designed to handle significant power increases over stock. A typical HDG6 setup can reliably hold between 450 to 550 lb-ft of torque, which covers a wide range of modified turbo and supercharged applications. It’s always best to check the specific torque rating for your vehicle’s application on the ACT website or with your retailer to ensure it matches your engine’s output.
Is the pedal effort on the HDG6 much heavier than stock?
Yes, you will notice an increase in pedal effort. This is a direct result of the higher clamp force pressure plate needed to hold more power. However, ACT designs its pressure plates to offer a manageable pedal feel for a performance clutch. It’s substantially heavier than a worn-out stock clutch, but it’s not as brutally heavy as some dedicated race clutches. Most people adapt to it very quickly, and it remains perfectly acceptable for a street-driven car.
What is the difference between a sprung hub and a solid hub disc?
This is a big one for driveability. A sprung hub disc has small springs that connect the center of the disc to the outer friction surface. These springs absorb the shock and pulses from the engine, making engagement smoother and quieter. It’s the preferred choice for almost all street-driven vehicles. A solid hub disc has no springs, offering a more direct, immediate engagement that is better for high-RPM shifting on a race track, but it can be very jerky in daily driving and is more prone to gear rattle.
Do I need to buy a new flywheel, or can I resurface my old one?
You can usually resurface your original flywheel if it is in good condition with no hot spots, cracks, or significant warping. However, for the best results and long-term reliability, I strongly recommend purchasing a new flywheel, especially if your old one has a lot of miles or has been overheated. A new flywheel, particularly a lightweight one, is a great way to complement the performance of your new ACT HDG6 clutch. It ensures a perfect, fresh surface for the clutch disc to grip onto.
How long does the break-in period last, and what does it involve?
The break-in period is typically around 500 miles of city-style driving. The goal is to generate heat and then let the clutch cool repeatedly to transfer a thin layer of friction material onto the flywheel and pressure plate surfaces. This creates a perfect mating surface. During break-in, you should avoid full-throttle acceleration, high-RPM shifts, lugging the engine in a high gear, and any slip-and-hold situations like trying to climb a steep hill at very low RPM. Just drive normally, shifting at lower RPMs and varying your speed.
Will this clutch work for my specific car model?
ACT manufactures the HDG6 clutch kit for a wide range of popular performance vehicles, including many Honda, Acura, Subaru, and Mitsubishi models. The best way to confirm compatibility is to use the vehicle lookup tool on the ACT website or consult with a knowledgeable performance parts retailer. They will need to know your car’s exact year, make, model, engine, and transmission code to ensure you get the correct kit.