Finding the right clutch for your vehicle is critical for maintaining performance and drivability. A high-quality clutch ensures smooth power transfer, reliable engagement, and the durability needed for both daily commutes and spirited driving. Whether you’re dealing with a stock engine or a modified powerhouse, the correct clutch kit is a foundational component for a consistent and enjoyable driving experience.
ACT (Advanced Clutch Technology) has built a formidable reputation for producing clutches that strike an excellent balance between performance and streetability. This roundup focuses on ACT clutch kits and a few other notable brands, highlighting options for various applications. From organic discs for smooth engagement to ceramic and puck-style designs for higher torque loads, there is a solution here for every driving style and performance goal.
Our Recommended ACT Clutch Kits
- ACT Clutch Kit For Subaru WRX 2015-2020
- ACT Clutch Kit For Subaru WRX STI 2015-2020
- ACT Clutch Kit For Subaru WRX STI HD-M/Perf
- ACT SB5-HDSS HD/Perf Street Sprung
- ACT 17-19 Honda Civic Si HD/Perf Clutch Kit
- ACT DN3-HDG6 HD Clutch Kit Dodge Neon SRT-4
- Competition Clutch SCC Stage 2 – 8037-2100
- Exedy 08011 OEM Replacement Clutch Kit
- South Bend Clutch Stage 2 Daily Friction Disc Kit
ACT Clutch Kit For Subaru WRX 2015-2020
Designed specifically for the 2015-2020 Subaru WRX, this XT/Perf Street Sprung clutch kit is an excellent upgrade for drivers seeking improved performance without sacrificing daily drivability. The kit uses an organic disc material, which provides a smooth and progressive engagement that feels familiar and comfortable in stop-and-go traffic. It’s engineered to handle increased torque over the stock unit, making it a reliable choice for vehicles with basic performance modifications.
The inclusion of a street-sprung hub damper helps reduce gear rattle and absorbs shock, protecting your transmission from harsh engagement. This makes it a well-rounded option for the enthusiast who uses their WRX as a daily driver but still demands more from their vehicle on weekends or during spirited drives.
ACT Clutch Kit For Subaru WRX STI 2015-2020
For WRX STI owners requiring a higher torque capacity, this XT-M/Perf Street Sprung kit is a formidable solution. It features a ceramic disc material, known for its high heat tolerance and aggressive grip characteristics. This clutch is built to manage the significant power output of modified STI engines, providing a firm and direct connection between the engine and transmission.
Despite its performance-oriented design, the street-sprung hub ensures that drivability remains manageable. The pedal effort is increased over stock but remains reasonable for a performance vehicle, making it suitable for drivers who prioritize holding power and are comfortable with a more assertive clutch feel.
ACT Clutch Kit For Subaru WRX STI HD-M/Perf
This HD-M/Perf Street Sprung clutch kit offers a robust middle ground for STI applications. It utilizes an organic disc, which favors smoother engagement and better heat dissipation under repeated use compared to a ceramic puck design. This makes it an ideal choice for track days or autocross events where consistent performance is more critical than ultimate grip.
The heavy-duty pressure plate provides the necessary clamp load to handle substantial power increases, while the organic material maintains a predictable and controllable engagement point. It’s a smart choice for the performance driver who values consistency and a more refined pedal feel during high-stress driving conditions.
ACT SB5-HDSS HD/Perf Street Sprung
The SB5-HDSS model represents ACT’s versatile HD/Perf line, designed for a range of applications that demand a reliable performance upgrade. This kit is engineered to provide a significant increase in torque capacity over OEM clutches, making it a popular choice for turbocharged vehicles and other high-output engines.
Its street-sprung disc design is key to its appeal, as it effectively dampens noise and vibration for a quiet and smooth operation that belies its performance potential. This clutch is for the driver who needs their vehicle to perform under pressure but also serve as a practical means of transportation without excessive noise or harshness.
ACT 17-19 Honda Civic Si HD/Perf Street Sprung Clutch Kit
Tailored for the 10th-generation Honda Civic Si, this clutch kit addresses the known limitations of the factory clutch. It provides a solid upgrade path for owners who are tuning their vehicles and finding the stock clutch can no longer hold the increased torque. The “Excellence in Performance” is backed by a strong one-year warranty, providing confidence in the product’s quality.
The design focuses on enhancing durability and holding power while maintaining a pedal feel that is acceptable for daily use. For Civic Si enthusiasts looking to unlock their car’s true potential with a flash tune or other modifications, this clutch is an essential supporting component.
ACT DN3-HDG6 HD Clutch Kit 6 Puck Sprung Dodge Neon SRT-4
This kit is built for the high-torque, front-wheel-drive Dodge Neon SRT-4. The 6-puck sprung hub disc is a performance-centric design that offers a very aggressive bite and high torque capacity in a compact package. The sprung hub is crucial here, as it helps mitigate some of the harshness associated with solid puck designs, making it suitable for street and track use.
It is an ideal choice for heavily modified SRT-4s where the factory-style organic disc would quickly fail. The engagement is abrupt and positive, providing the driver with immediate power transfer, which is beneficial for drag racing and other competitive motorsports.
Competition Clutch SCC Stage 2 – Steelback Brass Plus 8037-2100
While ACT is a leader, other brands like Competition Clutch offer excellent alternatives. This SCC Stage 2 kit is engineered for the Acura RSX Type S and other K-series Honda applications. The “Steelback Brass Plus” design refers to a reinforced backing plate that reduces disc flex and improves durability under high-stress conditions.
As a Stage 2 clutch, it is intended for use in vehicles with bolt-on modifications, mild turbocharging, or engine swaps. It provides a significant increase in performance over an OEM unit while still being designed with street manners in mind, offering a good balance for the weekend warrior.
Exedy 08011 OEM Replacement Clutch Kit
For drivers whose primary need is reliability and a return to factory-level performance, the Exedy OEM Replacement kit is a benchmark. Exedy is an original equipment supplier for many manufacturers, so their replacement kits offer proven quality and a perfect match for stock vehicles.
This is the go-to solution for daily drivers that are not modified and simply need a durable, long-lasting clutch that performs exactly as the original did. The engagement is smooth and predictable, making it an excellent, no-hassle choice for standard commuting and driving.
South Bend Clutch Stage 2 Daily Friction Disc Kit
South Bend Clutch is another respected name in the performance clutch market, and their Stage 2 Daily kit is designed for drivers who need more holding power without compromising on comfort. The “Daily” designation means it is engineered specifically for street use, with a focus on smooth engagement and low pedal effort.
This kit is an excellent alternative for those who find traditional performance clutches too aggressive for their needs. It provides a confident increase in torque capacity for moderately tuned vehicles while maintaining the drivability and quiet operation of a stock-style clutch, making it perfect for a high-performance daily driver.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the Best ACT Clutch for Consistent Performance
So, you’re looking at ACT clutches. I get it; you want something that won’t let you down, whether you’re on a track day or just dealing with your daily commute. Picking the right one isn’t just about grabbing the one with the highest torque rating. You need to think about how you actually use your car. Let’s break down the key things I always consider.
First up is the clutch type. ACT offers everything from organic street discs to full-blown multi-puck race setups. For a daily driver that sees some spirited driving, a street performance kit with a sprung hub and an organic or semi-metallic disc is your best bet. It gives you a nice, predictable pedal feel and smooth engagement without being a nightmare in traffic. If your car is a dedicated track monster, then you might need the aggressive bite of a multi-puck unsprung disc, but be warned, it can be brutally harsh and chattery on the street. Be honest with yourself about where you’ll drive the car most.
Next, think about the pressure plate. This is what clamps the disc to the flywheel. ACT’s Heavy-Duty (HD) pressure plates are a popular upgrade for moderately tuned cars. They increase clamp load without making the pedal unbearably heavy. For high-horsepower applications, you’ll be looking at their Extreme-Duty (XD) line. More clamp force means more holding power, but it also means a stiffer left leg workout. Don’t overdo it; get a pressure plate that matches your power goals with a little room to grow, but not so much that you dread hitting a red light.
Finally, don’t forget the little things. A new clutch kit is the perfect time to replace or resurface your flywheel. A lightweight flywheel can help your engine rev more freely, but it might also make it easier to stall at low speeds. Also, make sure you’re getting a complete kit that includes a new release bearing and alignment tool. Skimping on these components can lead to premature failure. When I’m looking for consistent performance, I focus on a balanced setup that matches my driving style, not just the most extreme option on the shelf. Getting the right components for your specific needs is the real secret to finding one of the best ACT clutch reviews for consistent performance.
FAQ
How much horsepower can an ACT clutch hold?
This is the number one question, and the answer is: it depends entirely on the specific clutch model. ACT makes kits for everything from a slightly upgraded daily driver to a 1000+ horsepower drag car. Their street performance kits often handle 400-500 ft/lbs of torque, while their extreme-duty multi-disc setups can hold well over 1500 ft/lbs. You need to check the torque capacity rating for the specific part number you’re considering and ensure it comfortably exceeds your engine’s output.
Is an ACT clutch good for a daily driver?
Absolutely, but you have to pick the right one. Their “Street” series kits are specifically designed for this purpose. They use a sprung hub disc and a segmented organic or Kevlar material that provides smooth engagement and good manners in stop-and-go traffic. The pedal effort will be higher than a worn-out stock clutch, but it’s very manageable. I would avoid their race-oriented, unsprung six-puck clutches for a daily, as they are notoriously grabby and unpleasant for street use.
What’s the difference between a sprung hub and an unsprung hub disc?
The hub is the center part of the clutch disc that connects to the transmission input shaft. A sprung hub has small springs that act as a cushion, absorbing the shock and vibrations from engagement. This makes for a much smoother, quieter, and more forgiving clutch, which is ideal for street cars. An unsprung hub has no springs, offering a direct, immediate transfer of power. This is stronger and better for high-RPM shifts in racing, but it transmits every bit of chatter and shock, making it rough for daily driving.
Do I need to replace my flywheel when installing a new ACT clutch?
It is highly, highly recommended. At a minimum, your existing flywheel must be resurfaced by a machine shop to ensure a perfectly flat, clean surface for the new clutch disc to grip. Any hot spots, cracks, or warping on the old flywheel will drastically shorten the life of your new clutch. For the best results and to ensure proper performance, installing a new, matching ACT flywheel is the way to go. It guarantees the surface and weight are perfectly matched to the clutch kit.
Why is the pedal feel so much heavier with my new ACT clutch?
Increased pedal pressure is a normal characteristic of a performance clutch. To hold more power, the pressure plate needs to exert significantly more clamp force. This requires stronger springs, which in turn means you have to push harder on the clutch pedal to disengage it. It’s a trade-off for durability and holding power. You’ll get used to it pretty quickly, but it’s definitely one of the first things you’ll notice after the installation.