ACT - Advanced Clutch Technology
Just looking for a price? Click on the "Select A
Vehicle" link to your left, enter your vehicle, then shop by brand (ACT) or category (clutch kits.)
ACT Clutch Review
We have received many requests for a review of the ACT clutch product line from our customers and
we're going to provide it here. Now, some of you may wonder if you're going to get an unbiased review
of a product from someone who sells it. That's a fair question. But keep in mind that ACT is only one
of a few clutch manufacturers that we sell, and only one of many different clutch manufacturers that we
could sell if we chose. We are under no special compulsion to sell ACT nor is the margin significantly
different than other clutch product lines. Further, since we won't stay in business very long if we
don't sell our customers a product that works then it is in our best interest to give you the straight
scoop.
So, here's the bottom line up front: ACT is a good quality clutch that performs very well under appropriate
conditions. Moreover, the price-point for the clutch is very reasonable given the quality of the product.
You will find cheaper or more expensive clutches, but they will be noticeably inferior or superior,
respectively. In other words, you're going to get a good clutch for a good price from ACT.You could even
check with Aviva or your current car insurance provider
for their advice or opinions, for more information. Ask other drivers who have had the pleasure of driving
with the ATC clutch. Read the reviews and tips available online to confirm that this is really a good
investment.
That said, the key to ACT clutch happiness is selecting the right clutch for your application. ACT does
not use a "Stage 1, Stage 2..." naming convention, but that is good because that never does make much
sense. Instead they classify their clutches as "Street" or "Race", with graduating levels so that you
can find the right clutch for your driving. Your car is a daily driver but you occasionally go to the
track? There's an ACT Clutch for that, whether you make near-stock horsepower or your car can double the
stock output.
The part number of the ACT clutch tells you everything you need to know. Take a look at the chart below.
ACT developed this to let you quickly find the clutch you need. Let me orient you to the chart. On the
left side you find the "Engagement Quality", that is how smoothly the clutch engages. From harsh (at the
bottom) to smooth (at the top), you see that ACT has you covered. Likewise, the bottom shows you the
torque increase, from 20% to 40% and then on to 400%.
In the center of the chart are 4-letter acronyms for the clutches. The two primary components in a clutch
kit are the pressure plate and the disc. The first two letters describe the
pressure plate for that particular clutch kit, as follows:
- SP - Sport Pressure Plate
- HD - Heavy Duty Pressure Plate
- XT - Xtreme Pressure Plate
- XX - Maxx Xtreme Pressure Plate
The second two letters describe the disc. Four are classified as "Street Discs":
- OO - Street Stock Disc
- MM - Modified Disc
- SS - Performance Street Disc
- SD - Solid Hub Disc
Be warned, the SD disc is on the very far edge of the definition of "Street" because the engagement
is going to be more harsh like a race disc. The next four are classified as "Race Discs":
- G4 - 4-Pad Sprung Hub Disc
- G6 - 6-Pad Sprung Hub Disc
- R4 - 4-Pad Solid Hub Disc
- R6 - 6-Pad Solid Hub Disc
So, now that you understand how that works, you can select a clutch like a professional. First, be
honest about your car's torque requirements. Keep in mind that een the most mild ACT SPMM clutch kit
is capable of handling 20% more torque than the stock clutch. Unless you've done some pretty
radical upgrades to your car, it is unlikely that you'll need more than a heavy-duty pressure plate
and a modified street or performance street disc (HDMM or HDSS.) As you start getting into the
Xtreme (XT) and Maxx Xtreme (XX) pressure plates, the pressure required to press the clutch pedal
gets progressively higher. If you're driving this car as a daily driver you're soon going to have
one thigh bigger than the other!
If you're a math whiz you'll quickly figure out that there a theoretically 32 different clutch
kits for a given application. Uh, theoretically. In reality there are much less, depending on
the application. For one thing, nobody is going to try to mate a Maxx Extreme pressure plate with
a Stock Street disc, or a 4-Pad Sprung Hub disc with a Sport Pressure Plate. Oh, that brings up a
good point--the engagement of the 4-pad disc is actually more harsh (and the disc has a greater
holding capacity) than a 6-pad. That's probably backward from what you were thinking so let that
be a guide for you.
Ok, having said that, you're ready to move out on your own and buy your ACT clutch kit! There are
two ways to proceed. The one I recommend is by clicking on the "Select A Vehicle" link
you will find up at the top of this page. After you enter your year, make, model, and engine the
website will present you with an option to select either the "ACT" logo or shop by category for
clutches. All too easy. Or, if you like browsing through application guides, click the link below.
ACT Clutch offers a variety of complete clutch kits, as every
driver, engine, and application is different. You may also purchase
individual clutch components. The ACT Clutch application chart will
have a line for each kit available. To the right of the clutch kit
number, you will find individual part numbers the clutch kit
includes.
ACT clutch kits include the pressure plate, disc, release
bearing, pilot bearing and alignment tool as indicated by the
components listed to the right. The ACT Clutch application chart is
designed to help you decide which level of performance and
characteristics are best for your vehicle. To choose which ACT
Clutch kit is right for your vehicle, read the product information
below. Also review the torque capacity and increase in clamping
force for each clutch kit when making your decision. If you are
unsure, please contact our technical staff. WE will be glad to
assist you.
ACT Heavy Duty Pressure Plate
TOTALLY TOUGH! ACT Heavy Duty Pressure Plates provide
increased torque capacity, durability, and extended clutch life.
What makes ACT Pressure Plates the highest standard in the industry
First, ACT manufacturing always begins with new units. ACT Pressure
Plates are not rebuilt from worn out parts. Second, pressure is
increased the right way. Altering the geometry alone is not enough.
Instead, ACT engineers a stronger diaphragm. ACT diaphragms are
heat-treated using an exclusive 3-stage process and the release
bearing contact area is hardened to reduce wear. Third, ACT designs
the pressure and release travel of the unit to be in the optimum
working range. Finally, ACT assures consistency and precision by
using proven assembly procedures. Every unit ACT produces is
accurately balanced and tested.
No guesswork, no hype, only proven engineering and calculated
results for every ACT Heavy Duty and Xtreme Pressure Plate. Most
ACT pressure plates are also available in ductile iron, offering
strength and safety for high RPM racing.
ACT Xtreme Pressure Plate
NO MERCY! ACT Xtreme Pressure Plates deliver the maximum
holding power available! For high horsepower streetcars, combine
this high clamp pressure plate with an ACT Street Disc to maintain
smooth engagement and obtain high torque capacity. For racing,
combine the ACT Xtreme Pressure Plate (most available in ductile
iron) with the ACT Xtreme Race Disc for the ultimatein torque
capacity, durability and quick shifting. What makes these units so
unique The radical increase in clamp load developed from a single
specially designed diaphragm. ACT employs several secrets (just
good engineering) to maximize load and reduce flex. The result is
maximum torque capacity and long life, while maintaining good
release clearance for fast, clean shifting. On some units, such as
the Eclipse/Talon, ACT gussets the pressure plate cover to reduce
flex caused by the high pressure. ACT Xtreme Pressure Plates are
made with the same high standard as ACT Heavy Duty Pressure Plates.
ACT Xtreme Pressure Plates canbe found on many of the fastest cars
on the track. ACT
Xtreme Pressure Plates are identified throughout the application
chart when the pressure plate number is followed by a suffix
"X". A double "XX" suffix indicates an ACT MaXX
Xtreme Pressure Plate available for the most serious torque
producers. The "XX" ACT MaXX Xtreme Pressure Plates may
only be used with ACT Race discs.
Please contact the our technical staff for availability and
applications. It's Xtreme to the MaXX!
ACT Copper Ceramic Race Disc (Xtreme Disc)
RACE READY! Attack the track with the ACT Xtreme Race
Disc. Shifting is quick and sure due to the lightweight rigid
design. ACT Xtreme Race Discs are available in 4 or 6-pad solid hub
design, these pads (pucks, buttons) are highly durable and
resistant to heat. Why use an ACT Xtreme Race Disc The copper
ceramic material holds approximately 28% more torque than an
organic lining. ACT Copper Ceramic Xtreme Race Discs engage fairly
harsh and are not normally recommended for street use. ACT
recommends 6-pad ACT Xtreme Race Discs for larger clutch sizes to
absorb more heat and for smoother engagement. The 4-pad ACT Xtreme
Race Discs engage harsher, shift faster, and are well suited for
smaller disc sizes from smaller engines. ACT can provide any size
4-pad disc up to 240mm or any size 6-pad disc up to 250mm with the
spline sizes listed on the
ACT Xtreme Disc Spline Guide. The ACT application chart lists
only those ACT Xtreme Race Discs used with ACT Heavy Duty and
Xtreme Pressure Plates. Consult ACT regarding applications not
listed. Spline sizes marked with an asterisk (*) are special order
and may be priced higher.
ACT Street Disc
SIMPLY SMOOTH! ACT Street Discs are designed for smooth
engagement, quiet operation and improved durability using only the
best organic, spring center designs. When an ACT Modified Street
Disc is available, the suffix "M" appears in the disc
part number. The marcel of the disc has been modified to enable
quicker action. When a special ACT Performance Organic Street Disc
is available, the suffix "S" will appear. These discs use
special steel backed performance linings designed to withstand high
heat and abuse. Most of these "S" discs are also modified
for quicker shifting. What is all the hype about different lining
materials available ACT still contends that nothing can beat a good
quality organic disc for street use. Virtually all the premium
sport car manufacturers use organic discs. The Eclipse/Talon AWD
Turbo is a good illustration. This application can be especially
hard on clutches for several reasons: all wheel drive, the heavy
weight of the car, and limited clutch size. Yet because of the
durability of the ACT Performance Organic Street Disc (PN MBSD010S)
when used with the ACT Xtreme Pressure Plate, many of the fastest
Eclipse/Talon owners enjoy smooth engagement and record setting
timeslips.