When your vehicle demands more than a stock clutch can deliver, especially under the high-torque conditions of performance driving or tuning, the right upgrade is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. A high-performance clutch ensures power is transferred effectively from the engine to the drivetrain, providing the durability and grip needed for aggressive street use or track days without premature wear or failure.
ACT (Advanced Clutch Technology) has built a formidable reputation for creating clutches that stand up to this challenge. Their Xtreme line is engineered for drivers who push their vehicles to the limit, offering a range of solutions from street-sprung organic discs to race-ready ceramic pucks. This roundup examines the best ACT Xtreme clutch kits to help you find the perfect balance of performance, drivability, and longevity for your build.
Our Top ACT Xtreme Clutch Picks
- ACT Clutch Kit For Subaru WRX 2015-2020
- ACT MZ010XX MaXX Xtreme Clutch Pressure Plate
- ACT Clutch Kit For Subaru WRX STI 2015-2020
- ACT Clutch Kit For Select Acura And Honda
- ACT H024X ACT Xtreme Pressure Plate
- ACT Clutch Kit HD/Race Sprung 6 Pad
- ClutchMaxPRO Stage 2 Kit with Flywheel
- ACT Xtreme 6-Puck Sprung Hub Ceramic Disc Kit
- ACT Xtreme Street Organic Full Face Clutch Kit
ACT Clutch Kit For Subaru WRX 2015-2020
Designed specifically for the 2015-2020 Subaru WRX, this XT/Perf Street Sprung kit (SB11-XTSS) is an excellent upgrade for drivers seeking a significant performance increase without sacrificing daily drivability. The organic disc material provides smooth and predictable engagement, making it well-suited for stop-and-go traffic while still handling increased power levels reliably.
This kit offers a robust solution for tuned WRX models that have outgrown the factory clutch. It is engineered to manage higher torque loads effectively, preventing the slippage that plagues stock units under stress. The sprung hub design also helps dampen drivetrain noise and shock, contributing to a more refined driving experience even under hard use.
ACT MZ010XX MaXX Xtreme Clutch Pressure Plate
The ACT MZ010XX MaXX Xtreme Pressure Plate is built for the most demanding applications where maximum clamp force is non-negotiable. It delivers a very stiff pedal feel, which provides a direct and confident connection to the powertrain, a characteristic favored by many serious performance and race drivers.
Beyond the increased clamping power, this pressure plate incorporates ACT’s exclusive diaphragm design to promote longer clutch life. The use of strong drive straps ensures quiet and trouble-free operation, eliminating issues like chatter that can occur with lesser components. This is a component for builds where every last bit of power transfer is critical.
ACT Clutch Kit For Subaru WRX STI 2015-2020
For owners of the 2015-2020 Subaru WRX STI, this XT-M/Perf Street Sprung kit (SB10-XTSS) steps up the performance with a ceramic disc material. Ceramic facing offers a higher torque capacity and superior resistance to heat compared to organic materials, making this kit ideal for heavily modified vehicles or those used in competitive driving environments.
The kit maintains a street-sprung hub, which is important for managing the inertia of the STI’s robust drivetrain and providing a manageable pedal effort. It strikes a balance between aggressive grip and the practicalities of a vehicle that may still see street duty, ensuring you get the holding power you need without an overly harsh engagement.
ACT Clutch Kit For Select Acura And Honda
This versatile ACT clutch kit (AI4XTSS) is engineered for a range of popular Acura and Honda vehicles. It is designed to deliver a moderate to stiff pedal feel, giving the driver more feedback than a stock unit while maintaining smooth engagement and minimal gear rattle for a civilized driving experience.
The key to its durability is the use of premium organic friction materials. These materials are formulated for excellent heat tolerance, which allows the clutch to recover more quickly from any overheating events. This characteristic also helps prevent warping of the flywheel and pressure plate surfaces, ensuring consistent performance over the long term.
ACT H024X ACT Xtreme Pressure Plate
The ACT H024X is a standalone Xtreme pressure plate designed for specific high-performance applications. As a core component of the clutch system, it provides the essential clamping force needed to keep the disc firmly engaged with the flywheel, preventing power loss through slippage.
Ideal for those building a custom clutch solution or replacing a single component, this pressure plate embodies ACT’s commitment to robust construction and reliable performance. It is made to work in harmony with compatible ACT discs to create a complete system capable of handling significant power increases.
ACT Clutch Kit HD/Race Sprung 6 Pad
The NS3-HDG6 kit is a serious piece of hardware designed for heavy-duty and race applications. Its 6-puck ceramic disc offers an aggressive, on/off style engagement that provides maximum surface pressure and grip, which is essential for high-RPM launches and swift gear changes on the track.
Despite its race-oriented nature, the disc features a sprung hub center. This is a critical design element that absorbs some of the harshness of engagement, protecting the transmission gears from shock and making it somewhat more manageable than a solid hub race disc. This kit is for when ultimate grip is the top priority.
ClutchMaxPRO Stage 2 Kit with Flywheel
This comprehensive kit from ClutchMaxPRO is a complete solution for the Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ, and Toyota 86 platform. Rated for 348 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque, it’s a strong option for moderately tuned vehicles used for daily driving, performance street use, and even moderate track duty.
The kit includes a performance chromoly lightweight flywheel, which reduces rotational mass for quicker engine revving and improved throttle response. The Stage 2 disc uses a carbon Kevlar infused organic material, aiming to combine the smooth engagement of an organic disc with the increased durability and heat resistance of more advanced composites.
ACT Xtreme 6-Puck Sprung Hub Ceramic Disc Clutch Kit
For extreme power levels and drag racing applications, the ACT Xtreme 6-Puck Sprung Hub Ceramic Disc Kit is a top contender. The 6-puck design minimizes rotating mass and provides a very aggressive, positive lock-up that is highly resistant to slippage under massive torque loads.
The sprung hub is a vital feature here, as it mitigates the potential for drivetrain shock that is common with solid hub pucked discs. This makes the kit more transmission-friendly while still delivering the brutal grip required for winning at the strip. It represents the peak of performance-focused clutch design from ACT.
ACT Xtreme Street Organic Full Face Clutch Kit
The ACT Xtreme Street Organic Full Face Clutch Kit is the go-to choice for enthusiasts who need a reliable, high-capacity clutch for a powerful street-driven vehicle. The full-face organic disc offers the smoothest engagement profile possible in a performance clutch, making it ideal for daily driving and high-performance street use.
This kit excels in providing a significant increase in torque capacity over stock without introducing the harshness or aggressive bite of a pucked or ceramic disc. It’s the perfect balance for a fast street car that requires strong, predictable, and repeatable performance without compromising on driveability in traffic or comfort.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right ACT Xtreme Clutch
So, you’re thinking about an ACT Xtreme clutch. That’s a solid move for anyone pushing their car beyond stock power levels. I’ve been through this process myself, and it’s easy to get lost in the specs and marketing. The key isn’t just picking the “best” one; it’s picking the best one for your specific setup. Let’s break down what you really need to consider before you buy.
First, you have to be brutally honest about your car’s power and its primary use. Are you running a daily driver with a modest turbo upgrade, or is this a dedicated weekend drag car? The ACT Xtreme line is built for high performance and durability, but there are different pressure plates and disc materials within that family. For a street car that sees occasional track use, a clutch with a segmented Kevlar or organic disc might be perfect. It’ll be easier on your leg in traffic and still handle a significant power bump. If you’re all about launching hard at the strip, a puck-style disc and a heavy-duty pressure plate are the way to go, even if it means a stiffer pedal.
Next, look at the torque rating. This is the most critical number. ACT provides a torque capacity for each of their kits. You need to know your engine’s peak torque output, and then add a safety margin. I always recommend choosing a clutch rated for at least 20-25% more torque than your engine currently makes. This gives you room for future mods and ensures the clutch isn’t constantly operating at its limit, which drastically improves its lifespan. Don’t just guess your power; get a realistic dyno number or a reliable estimate from your tuner.
Finally, think about the entire system. A clutch doesn’t work in a vacuum. If you’re installing a high-performance clutch, your factory flywheel might not be up to the task. Resurfacing it is a minimum, but often, a new, matched light-weight flywheel from ACT is a smarter investment for better throttle response. Also, don’t forget the hydraulics! A high-clamp force pressure plate can overwhelm an old, tired slave or master cylinder. Budget for a clutch kit, a new flywheel, and a refresh of your hydraulic components to ensure everything works together smoothly and reliably. Getting this right means you’ll have a setup that delivers on the promise of high performance and durability for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an ACT Xtreme clutch suitable for a daily driver?
This is the most common question I get. The answer is: it depends on which specific Xtreme model you choose and your personal tolerance. The kits with full-face organic or Kevlar discs are absolutely streetable. The pedal effort will be higher than stock, but it’s very manageable. The ones with multi-puck sprung hub discs are much more aggressive; they can be grabby at low speeds and make stop-and-go traffic a chore. For a pure daily, I’d lean towards their “street” oriented discs within the Xtreme line.
How much horsepower can an ACT Xtreme clutch handle?
ACT doesn’t typically rate their clutches by horsepower; they use torque, which is the real measure of twisting force that the clutch has to hold. The torque capacity varies significantly across the 9 Best ACT Xtreme Clutch Review for High Performance and Durability lineup. Some kits start around 400 lb-ft of torque, while their top-end multi-disc setups can handle well over 1,000 lb-ft. You need to match the clutch’s torque capacity to your engine’s output, with that extra safety margin I mentioned earlier.
What is the break-in procedure for a new clutch?
Break-in is non-negotiable. It allows the friction material to properly mate with the flywheel and pressure plate surfaces. The general rule is 500 miles of gentle, varied driving. Avoid high RPM shifts, hard launches, and sustained slipping (like holding the car on a hill with the clutch). The goal is to generate gradual, even heat cycles. I usually take a longer, relaxed route home from the shop and then use my commute for a week to carefully pile on the miles before I even think about getting on it.
Will I need to upgrade anything else when I install this clutch?
Almost certainly. At a minimum, you need a new flywheel or have your existing one resurfaced by a machine shop that knows how to do it properly for a clutch installation. It’s also highly recommended to replace the throw-out bearing, pilot bearing, and alignment tool. Furthermore, this is the perfect time to inspect and likely replace your clutch master and slave cylinders. A new clutch puts new stresses on the entire system, and old hydraulics are a common point of failure post-installation.
What’s the difference between a sprung hub and a solid hub disc?
The hub is the center part of the clutch disc that connects to the transmission’s input shaft. A sprung hub has small springs that act as cushions, absorbing the shock and vibrations between the engine and transmission. This makes for smoother engagement and is much easier on your drivetrain components. A solid hub has no springs, offering a direct, immediate transfer of power, which is great for all-out racing but can lead to a jerky ride and increased stress on gears. For most high-performance street applications, a sprung hub is the way to go.