Hey all I am going to buy a new clutch for my evo, I like the ACT heavy duty clutch http://www.extremepsi.com/store/prod...cat=439&page=1 and the Exedy stage 2 clutch http://www.ebay.com/itm/EXEDY-CLUTCH...1779d9&vxp=mtr they are both the similar price.

Estimated budget for this purchase: $680.

Any recommendations on what one to purchase?

NOTE: My car is an Evolution IV, I'm from Costa Rica and it's too expensive to import a clutch kit for my car from Japan, England or Australia, last month I bought an OEM Evo IX flywheel because my mechanic told me i can put this on my car to buy a clutch kit for Evo VIII / IX from the United States for my car.

Lancer Evolution IV GSR 1996 stock.
Boost controller Greddy Profec B spec II (Low boost 14psi, High boost 18psi).

Best regards,
Jose Vargas.

 

Competition Clutch 5152-2100, aka Comp Stage 2

 

Can you tell me more about it? (Comfort, lifetime, performance)

Regards.

 

Get away form ACT its rubbish!

had 3 of them all failed and ruined my Transmission

 

I've put right at 15k on that clutch so far, and I got mine right after they came out. No issues so far. I replaced the TOB, CMC, CSC, swapped stock clutch line with STM ss one (bled line with motive power bleeder), and adjusted the pedal. I'm also using a resurfaced oem flywheel. Never had any high rpm lockout that my old act hdss had. I put over 70k miles on that act hdss, but it was on the car when I got it so I'm not sure of the total miles of use it had. I don't see any reason why this clutch shouldn't have the same lifespan. I don't autox with it, but I've been to the drags a couple of times a few years ago. I do drive spirited from time to time. I don't do this a whole lot either, but it actually shifts smoother during NLTS (it's tuned for it) than regular shifting. Comp has great customer service, and it helps they are only 3 hrs away

 

I might be the only one, so for the sake of providing some counterpoint I will say honestly the ACT HDSS has served very well and as advertised. There are a couple of things though, that likely apply to all clutch purchases.

After more experience I would now probably opt for a milder clutch. I simply didn't and still don't make the power to warrant the HDSS's clamping power. Why does that matter, because if the clutch is so damn strong it will potentially be stronger than other parts of your drivetrain, and that is not the most logical approach. You would rather want the clutch to wear over time and replace it, than breaking things in the drive train. The clutch is a wear item, and should wear out, and you just want to balance that with the power you make and the kind of launches and driving you do.

So the balance goes either way; too weak, or, too strong. I bought the ACT based on a recommendation from Gruppe'S. It was essentially a great price and included everything. After some time I started to have trans problems. I believe I have later learned that all the steps I took to adjust the clutch, were simply not correct or complete. So I wore my synro's in 2 and 4 sooner than necessary. I had the infamous clutch drag, or high rpm lockout. I, like many, started reading the threads, and blamed the ACT. However, now I believe I know better, as I have rebuilt the trans and essentially the whole car and adjusted the pedal fully out, and bled the line propelry, etc etc, and it shifts like butter. No lock, no drag, and no slip. The clutch has about 40k on it, and essentially I just now have it setup properly. So I am now satisfied with the ACT and think it is a great item. I still think it is too strong for my setup. It seems to be better suited for another 100TQ higher car.

I daily drive the car and its just a heavier pedal feel, but otherwise completely simple. My wife can easily drive the car, and doesn't notice anything 'modded' about the clutch.

I think the QM gets great comments, and there is a lengthy thread on here from a guru about its review. Search for that one, its a decent read. I might be the only person to chime in positively on the ACT, but its great. It may require very thorough attention when setting up. I also track my car pretty heavily, so it has also taken significant abuse, but I don't drag race, so I can't really speak about launch qualities.

 

ACT HD sprung 6 puck... I used that clutch in my car without issues, daily, and a lot of drag races and still is like new... Hold my power 540whp@417tq and no problem...
Nice clutch, and, for your goals ACT HD is the best way!