ACT (Advanced Clutch Technologies) has made shopping for a clutch easy. There once was a time when choosing a clutch to handle your engines output, while maintaining daily drivability, was not really an option. ACT has listened to its customers and designed a way for their clutches to have some alternatives. No matter what the use for your car and clutch, ACT has made clutches that suit every driver’s desire. Here, we have examined the possibilities and what may be right for you.

 

ACT has a huge stock of parts for pretty much any car or application. You can rest assured that you will find what you need and not have to settle for anything less than what you wanted. Their customer support is great and answers any questions you may have. Whether you’re trying to find what stage or type of clutch is best for you, or even a technical question about the installation process, ACT will assist you. ACT stands behind its products 100% and guarantees the best quality you can receive. As an added bonus for the customer's benefit, ACT makes it a policy to help out with warranty claims, or replacing the clutch if the need arises. ACT prides themselves on giving customers that extra comfort of knowing they are safe.

 

Buying a clutch could not get any easier. I took a quick test drive and checked out what they had available for my 1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo. The choices are narrowed down, and fully explained, from how much power they can handle, to the noise it makes, as to how well the pedal will even feel! The clutches are in order from lowest output to highest performance, showing power capacity, differences between the clutch disks, and clamping increase. You would be surprised how many different options there are! Prices are definitely great when you consider ACT’s reputation and quality.

 

When picking your combination, consider your car's clamping needs and where you're going to drive the car.
1. Pick your disc.
2.  Pick your pressure plate.
3.  Pick your flywheel (optional)

Note: Picking a flywheel is optional, however it's always recommended by any mechanic to do one of two things when replacing the clutch. a) resurface your flywheel or b) preplace it.  While you have the car's transmission apart, it's smart to replace the flywheel with a lightened flywheel rather than later.  With a lighter flywheel, there's less rotational mass(weight), which means more power goes to your wheels.
 

Building a street car? No problem. ACT has designed an excellent selection of clutch kits to serve your type of expectations. You can also check out the guide to building a street car at (http://thmotorsports.net/news/24-news/4086-ultimate-street-car-build.html) when you have any other questions on street car essentials. ACT makes products out of quality material that’s strategically engineered, thus providing very reliable parts that will keep you shifting longer.

The “Modified” clutch disc covers the basic entry tuner needs. Improved shifting and grip of the disk will help you launch and go through gears more efficiently than a stock clutch. The springs help dampen out the force of the engagement, which will not only make the car very street friendly, but friendly as well to the teeth on the shaft. A clutch like this is also preferred over replacing with another stock clutch. If you have a relatively stock or even completely stock motor, this is a superior choice.    
 

 

The “Performance”clutch disc has everything that the “Modified” disk has but is able to withstand a bit more punch. If you have modified the engine with a few horsepower enhancing parts, then this is a better fitting option for you. As this is a street clutch disk, it will be able to handle the extra power output of the motor but it will still keep close to a stock feel. Planning to take on more power in the future? Then this is definitely the correct choice to go with since it can handle the extra load, and it is made out of materials that will not wear away as fast as you might think.
 

 

The “Rigid”clutch disc is the most aggressive and has the best racing type feel to it. It is the lightest of the street clutches which makes it quicker, but it also has no dampening springs. The engagement is stronger and the response is increased. It dissipates heat better than the other street clutches and grips with ease. Since it is in the street clutch class, you can expect a long life and fairly easy use, while having the sportiest feel as compared to the other street clutch candidates.

 

 

Moving on to the “Race Discs”, ACT has made a great selection for those who are more dedicated to the performance and competition type of driving. If you are into drag racing, drifting, auto crossing, or any other kind of performance driving, this is the clutch lineup for you.

 

The “Spring Centered” disc has similar characteristics to the street “Performance” disk. It still has the springs that help dampen out some of the engagement and ease stress on the driveline, but has improved pads over an organic disk for better engagement. This tougher ceramic material will lessen the chances of slipping and at the same time is better at having lower heat buildup. This is the perfect disk for the higher horsepower engines that still get driven on the street but are driven hard. If you like street racing, or are an aggressive driver, this is the clutch for you. It will be close to a street clutch feel and maintain a low noise level, but when you want to put the power down, the support will be there when you need it. As for racing type track conditions, this is a beginner type disk, which is great for occasional track use.

 

The “Rigid Hub” disc will provide the track type condition support. Expect to be able to launch the car, make very fast gear shifts, put down high levels of torque, and be able to abuse without quickly overheating. As this one does not have the dampening, the spring's response will be better, and the shifts will feel stronger. This disk will get you to the track or event you want to attend, but it is actually more for use on the track. It will provide you with all you will need for a regular road racing course, auto cross, and drag racing demands.

 

Last, but certainly not least, is the “Full-Faced Sintered Iron”. The name itself says enough to know that this is ideal for the full scale race cars. This one will offer the most grip so you can lock it into place even with enormous horsepower. Expect extremely fast shifting as well as clutchless shifting abilities. Typically, this clutch would be mated with a racing transmission, and a tough competition racing environment. This disk will definitely put you first across the finish line!

 

 

No matter what type of driving you do, there is a pressure plate to meet your expectations and outperform the competition. It is recommended to coordinate your clutch disk with the best pressure plate possible in order to ensure an ideal clamping force will transfer the power from the engine to the wheels. The large increases in clamping force will lessen the time taken to launch and accelerate though the gears. ACT’s selection of pressure plates range from a stock feel, to a complete race car experience.  Every pressure plate is balanced digitally to ensure a smooth rotational operation. Exceptional build quality predicts a future of durability even under heavy periods of stress.

 

The “Sport” pressure plate delivers an increase in clamping force compared to a stock pressure plate, while maintaining a stock pedal feel. Great for entry level tuner cars and even completely stock cars that are looking for something a little better than OEM. The Sport contains stock characteristics, meanwhile, making an improvement in performance.

 

The “Heavy Duty” pressure plate provides an increased clamping force that is tighter than the “Sport” clamps. Lightly, to moderately upgraded engines find this plate best. Maintaining a comfortable pedal the driver can experience the benefits of the increased clamping force while not having to sacrifice driving comfort. They are best suited for street cars and daily drivers that have more punch to them.

 


The “ACT Xtreme” series pressure plate is where the competition's at. Once you start using very sticky tires and want to launch on the dime, you’ll need a strong clamping force to keep that disk from slipping and the power being lost. Pedal stiffness is increased but not necessarily to an uncomfortable point. Engines that are turbo or supercharged are a great candidate especially if track use is expected. Torque numbers of over 600 are to be expected with this setup. Designed for harsh racing conditions it is made of the materials and precision to ensure durability and quality.

 

 

To make your clutch kit complete, add an ACT light weight flywheel. ACT makes an application for pretty much anything and availability is never an issue. Light weight flywheels have many benefits and can be paired with a clutch combo.

 

The “ACT Streetlite” light weight performance flywheel improves engine performance. Its light weight design allows for quicker revs due to the lower rotational mass. Always balanced digitally and machined for perfection making this a superior quality part. Perfect for any street car and light track use.

 

The “ACT Prolite” flywheel is a step above the Streetlite. The Prolite line is made of an even lighter construction which allows for an even lower rotational mass delivering top performance. The Prolite flywheel is dedicated to the performance driver and race car to provide the best response and performance. Outstanding durability and heat dissipation is expected.

 

ACT provides durable pilot bushings, throw out bearings, and clutch adjustment tools. Advanced Clutch Technology delivers superior quality and performance with products for any kind of driving.

 

 

At ACT our best customers are people that know what they are buying and why. Every clutch design has benefits and tradeoffs so explore all the resources available to make the best choice for you. Most performance enthusiasts relate more to horsepower rather than torque, but clutch capacity is best measured in terms of torque. Think in terms of comparing a high rpm 250hp Honda Civic versus a Dodge Cummins turbo diesel which has the same horsepower. The diesel will need about three times the clutch capacity because the engine produces about three times the torque. We started rating our clutches years ago so people will have an honest estimate of what to expect. We provide the percentage of clamp load increase and the estimated torque capacity right on our application chart. ACT Outperforms Take a look at the graph and you will see that our pressure plates will provide a higher clamp load for a longer distance than our typical competitor. This exclusive ACT design translates into longer clutch life, a more positive feel and better shifting. There will be an increase in pedal effort ranging from slight to heavy depending on application.

Quality Through and Through ACT clutches and flywheels offer proven performance for both street and full race applications. ACT employs vehicle testing, dynamometer results, laboratory testing, and the latest in CAD, 3D modeling, and FEA (Finite Element Analysis) software to develop many of their products long before they come to market. There is no guesswork and very few surprises. Power to the Pavement Calculated results are given for each clutch by publishing the increase in clamp load and estimated torque capacity in our catalog and on our website. These are not mere marketing claims, but accurate estimates based from solid engineering principles, confirming what we already know from the track. Each pressure plate is load tested and cycled to ensure parts meet ACT's strict quality standards. Added Value Extra steps are taken with virtually every ACT part to provide added value. Some of these steps include improved designs, hardening on critical wear points, computer balancing and SFI certification. ACT products not only out perform the competition, but out last them as well. Rather than take shortcuts to cut cost, we insist on quality. ACT adds value that you may not initially notice, but you will appreciate thousands of miles later. ACT Designs ACT designs and manufactures their parts using unique engineering ideas that include proprietary trade secrets. This is especially true when it comes to diaphragm spring technology and what separates ACT from other brands. As a result, ACT clutches are unequaled for their consistent feel, high torque capacity, good durability and long wear life.

	How much does an ACT clutch weigh?
	The weight of the ACT clutch assembly will usually be the same as a stock O.E.M. clutch assembly.

	My ACT clutch looks different than the previous clutch. Do I have the right parts?
	There are many manufacturers and designs for clutches. We do our best to use the best parts for your application. Check the part numbers and compare what is listed on our application chart for your vehicle. If the components fit properly without modification, chances are you have the right parts. If it appears something needs to be modified to make it work, stop and contact our tech department.

	Is it necessary to use the alignment dowel pins on my clutch?
	Yes! The alignment dowel pins properly locate the pressure plate to the flywheel. Without these pins severe vibration and engine damage can result. The alignment dowel pins should always be replaced if they are damaged, broken off, or missing from the flywheel.

What clutch bolts and torque specifications should I use?

When using stock clutch bolts, refer to the manufacturer's service manual for proper torque specifications. New bolts are highly recommended. ACT suggests using SAE Grade 8 or Metric Grade 10.9 fasteners and increasing the torque specifications (5/16 or 8mm bolts can be tightened to at least 30 ft. lbs. of torque). Lock washers or thread locking compound is also recommended. Proper torque is crucial to your safety, take the time to get the correct pressure plate assembly and flywheel bolt torque specifications and tighten the bolts correctly using a high quality torque wrench. Also be sure to tighten bolts using a diametrical pattern as indicated in your vehicle's repair manual. Never use air tools for installing or removing clutch bolts!

	Are there any special modifications necessary to install an ACT clutch?
	All ACT clutch assemblies are designed to be a direct bolt in replacement for the stock clutch assembly. Pedal height adjustments are sometimes necessary depending on application. Please refer to our technical bulletins for further information.

	Are ACT clutches balanced?
	Yes! All ACT clutch assemblies are computer balanced to help ensure smooth operation.

	Is changing the pilot bearing recommended when installing a new clutch?
	Yes, if your vehicle is equipped with a pilot bearing or bushing, it is recommended to replace and properly lube the pilot bearing/bushing when changing the clutch.

	Do ACT clutches require a break in period?
	For organic street discs "00 and SS" we recommend breaking in the clutch for 200-300 miles with mild engagement such as stop and go city driving prior to racing or spirited driving. ACT race discs usually only require a few hard slips to lap in the surfaces prior to normal driving or racing. Do not overheat the clutch during the break in period.

	Can an ACT disc be purchased separately?
	ACT discs can be purchased separately, however because of the labor involved in changing a clutch we do recommend replacing the entire clutch at the same time.

	Does ACT make anything for automatic transmissions?
	ACT only offers components for manual transmissions. The automatics use a totally different setup all together and nothing is interchangeable.

	My new throwout bearing appears to be off center on the bearing retainer and wobbles. Is it defective?
	There is nothing wrong with the bearing. Vehicles that have a self-centering bearing may appear to be off center or improperly manufactured, however, rest assured, the bearing will align and center itself properly during normal usage.

Can an ACT Race Puck style disc be used for daily driving, and is it recommended?

The race disc is a very aggressive disc that offers a no nonsense performance action. The engagement is so harsh that taking off from a stop can cause chatter and or an uncomfortable noise. The chatter and noise has no affect on the performance on the clutch and no affect on the drive line components. This type of disc should only be used in a professional race setting, and never used on the street. ACT always recommends using an organic disc on the street because it offers a smoother engagement and a longer lasting performance value for everyday drivers.

What is a flywheel step?

The flywheel step is extremely crucial for the clutch to work properly. The flywheel step determines the proper working range of the pressure plate. The step is the distance between the friction surface, and the pressure plate mounting point on the flywheel. Depending on the make and model of the car it can either be an UP step or Down step, and sometimes the flywheel will be flat. Check the manufacturers specifications about the proper flywheel step for your application.

	Are ACT clutches repairable or rebuildable?
	Rebuild or repair may be possible in some cases, after inspection of the clutch assembly. Please contact our technical department for further information. Because of special modifications we do not recommend servicing by a general clutch rebuilder.

	How do I purchase an ACT product?
	ACT has many distributors around the globe feel free to contact an ACT customer service rep for the nearest one to you. ACT products can also be ordered online at www.advancedclutch.com/store

	What parts in the clutch system linkage should I inspect before installing a new clutch?
	If you are having clutch trouble prior to installing an ACT clutch, find the cause of the problem before installing the new clutch. There are many problems caused by worn or faulty linkage, oil contamination, and misalignment or transmission damage. Please see ACT's installation instructions and your vehicle's repair manual.

	Can the XACT Flywheels be resurfaced, and is there a special process?
	Yes, ACT XACT flywheels can be resurfaced just like a stock flywheel and there is no special process. Make sure that the proper flywheel step is done, as this will affect the clutch function if it is not correct.

	What could cause poor shifting quality?
	Improper clutch release caused by faulty linkage and/or improper adjustment.

	What could cause clutch slippage?
	Improper clutch adjustment, lack of freeplay.

What would cause inadequate clutch release?

Inadequate clutch release can be caused by many problems. Possible causes may be as follows: Clutch linkage not properly adjusted or reset. Flywheel not resurfaced before new clutch installed. Flywheel surfaced improperly (I.E. Incorrect flywheel step). Flywheel machined too thin or not manufactured to stock (O.E.M.) specifications. Lack of lubrication on linkage or release bearing collar. Linkage worn or damaged. Hydraulics defective, leaking or air in the system. Cable stretched or damaged. Pilot bushing binding due to improper bellhousing alignment, bellhousing damaged, or loose. Clutch disc installed improperly. Clutch disc hub rubbing against flywheel bolts. Clutch disc binding on input shaft, damaged splines. Input shaft bent causing clutch disc runout. Pressure plate assembly and/or clutch disc bent or damaged. Clutch disc is too thick or has excessive Marcel (Too much cushion between the friction facings). Pressure plate has defective or damaged torque drive straps. Damaged, worn, or improperly installed pilot bushing/bearing. Oil or grease contamination on clutch facings. Damaged or worn throwout bearing collar. If you have any further questions, please call (661) 940-7555 and ask for the tech department.

What could cause clutch chatter?

Chatter is when the car shudders as the clutch is being engaged. Possible cause may be as follows: Flywheel has excessive run-out. Flywheel was not resurfaced or improperly resurfaced before the new clutch was installed. Damaged or excessively worn CV joints. Bad U-Joints in drive shaft or U-Joints misaligned. Excessive backlash in differential. Excessive driveline angle. Bad leaf springs, bushings or mounts. The use of an aggressive clutch disc designed for racing. Defective pressure plate and/or disc. Disc has inadequate Marcel (Not enough cushion between the friction facing.). Oil or grease contamination on clutch facings. Worn or damaged clutch linkage. Bent pressure plate assembly and/or disc. Improperly tuned engine. Worn or damaged engine mounts or transmission mounts. If you have any further questions, Please call (661) 940-7555 and ask for the tech department.

	I just ordered an ACT product. How do I check to see if the part is right for me?
	ACT customer service can answer many questions concerning fitment and custom applications feel free to contact us at 661-940-7555

Is flywheel resurfacing necessary before installing a new clutch?

A smooth, flat flywheel surface is essential for proper clutch operation. Flywheels are subject to heat, scoring and warping during use. If upon careful inspection there are signs of scoring, heat damage or warpage the flywheel should be resurfaced or replaced to assure good clutch performance. Resurfacing should be done on a flywheel-grinding machine only. Refer to your factory service manual or ACT information for resurfacing specifications (Flat, Step, Etc.). WARNING: IF YOUR FLYWHEEL SHOWS ANY SIGNS OF CRACKING, REPLACE IT! Never roughen the flywheel clutch surface with sanding as this reduces clutch life. The surfaces are designed to rub against each other (Producing Friction), not tear into each other (causing abrasion). If you have any further questions, please call (661) 940-7555 and ask for the tech department.

	Can I use an aftermarket flywheel with an ACT clutch?
	The ACT clutch system is designed to work with both stock and good quality aftermarket flywheels. Inferior aftermarket flywheels may have trouble with warpage or high wear. If you are replacing your flywheel, be sure that the new flywheel meets the same specifications, such as proper step, ring gear tooth count, flywheel thickness, ring gear offset, Etc.

	Will an ACT clutch increase pedal effort?
	ACT pressure plates are specifically designed to handle high torque applications. With ACT's durable design you can expect to have an increase in pedal effort between 15-80% depending on application. We could design our clutches with less pedal effort but longevity, torque capacity, or engagement quality would suffer.

	How long can I expect my new ACT clutch to last?
	All ACT products are designed with longevity in mind; however, clutch life will greatly depend on the vehicle, your type of driving and output of the engine. For example a vehicle driver in heavy stop and go traffic will have a shorter clutch life than the same vehicle that is driver on the open highway.

	Which ACT clutch assembly is best for my vehicle?
	It is important to match the proper ACT clutch system with the vehicle and its intended use! Knowing what characteristics you want in a clutch and the power capability of the engine is important.

	What components are in an ACT clutch kit?
	All ACT kits contain a pressure plate and clutch disc, release bearing and alignment tool. Pilot bearings are in selected kits that call for a pilot bearing and have it available. Kit component parts are listed on our application chart.

ACT Clutch Kit - Heavy Duty (HD) When your engine puts out performance, you need a Clutch Kit that can handle it properly. All ACT Clutch Kits provide a generous increase in clamp load which directly increases torque capacity. ACT Cl ...

ACT Clutch Kit - MaXX Xtreme (XX) When your engine puts out performance, you need a Clutch Kit that can handle it properly. All ACT Clutch Kits provide a generous increase in clamp load which directly increases torque capacity. ACT Cl ...

ACT Clutch Kit - Sport (SP) When your engine puts out performance, you need a Clutch Kit that can handle it properly. All ACT Clutch Kits provide a generous increase in clamp load which directly increases torque capacity. ACT Cl ...

ACT Clutch Kit - Xtreme (XT) When your engine puts out performance, you need a Clutch Kit that can handle it properly. All ACT Clutch Kits provide a generous increase in clamp load which directly increases torque capacity. ACT Cl ...

ACT Clutch Kit - Xtreme Twin Disc The ACT Xtreme Twin Disc Clutch Kit offers enthusiasts a wide range of street-friendly to race-ready kits with torque capacities from 875 – 1470 lbs/ft of torque. All kits offer discs that have twice ...

ACT Component - Alignment Tool The same OE quality Alignment Tool packaged with your ACT clutch kit is available for purchase separately. The Alignment Tool, although small and inexpensive, is a critical element during installatio ...

ACT Component - Clutch Disc - 4-Puck Race ACT Xtreme Race Discs are available in 4 or 6-puck hub designs that are highly durable and resistant to heat. ACT 4-puck Xtreme Discs engage harsher, shift faster, and are well suited for the smaller ...

ACT Component - Clutch Disc - 6-Puck Race ACT Xtreme Race Discs are available in 4 or 6-puck hub designs that are highly durable and resistant to heat. ACT recommends 6-puck ACT Race Discs for larger clutch sizes to absorb more heat and for ...

ACT Component - Clutch Disc - Organic ACT Street Discs are available for most popular applications and feature a premium organic material that has increased friction and higher copper content for better heat transfer. Steel-backed lining ...

ACT Component - Pilot Bearing The same OE quality Pilot Bearing packaged with your ACT clutch kit is available for purchase separately. Pilot Bearing have a run in with a press that wouldn’t take no for an answer? Did it roll do ...

ACT Component - Pressure Plate When your engine puts out performance, you need a pressure plate that can handle it properly. All ACT pressure plates provide a generous increase in clamp load which directly increases torque capacity ...

ACT Component - Release Bearing The same OE quality Release Bearing packaged with your ACT clutch kit is available for purchase separately. Release Bearing in the kit have an unfortunate experience with gravity and a concrete garage ...

ACT Flywheel - Counterweight Upgrading the Flywheel on your RX-7 or other Rotary application? Then you’ve come to the right place. ACT Flywheel Counterweights are designed and manufactured for 1986-1995 RX-7 and Rotary applicat ...

ACT Flywheel - ProLite ACT XACT ProLite Flywheels provide significantly improved engine response, acceleration and a higher degree of safety than the heavy stock flywheel. Many competitor flywheels are too light, fragile an ...

ACT Flywheel - StreetLite ACT XACT StreetLite Fywheels provide significantly improved engine response, acceleration and a higher degree of safety than the heavy stock flywheel. Many competitor flywheels are too light, fragile ...