I'm close to 400 miles on my new ACT clutch kit and steel braided line, so I figured I'd post a short review of how it's working out so far.

My main objective was to have a very 'streetable' or 'as close to stock as possible' clutch.... BUT with more clamping power over stock. My evo is an everyday driver so I did not want something that was going to be a pain to drive on the street. However, with 300 at wheel now.... I could not afford to take my chances with a another fully stock set-up (voided tranny warranty or not)! The ACT kit seemed like the perfect choice since it's an upgraded pressure plate (approx 40% more clamping power over stock according to Dirk@ACT), yet it's designed to work with the stock disc. For the record, my stock clutch died at 9800 miles. The ACT kit includes an ACT pressure plate, throwout bearing and a stock disc. I decided to stay with the stock flywheel, opposed to going w/ a lighter Fidenza.... simply because I wanted a more 'streetable' set-up. Lastly, I had the flywheel resurfaced.... and opted to go with a new set of flywheel bolts.

You want a 'close to stock' clutch feel with slightly more pedal resistance? That is about the best way to describe the ACT pressure plate paired with the disc & flywheel. I can definitely feel the difference vs. stock, but it's very streetable, and it grabs very nicely. It took me about a day to get the feel for it due to the added pedal pressure.... but now it feels perfect! It seems to engage very similar to stock.... although possibly slightly quicker. I have not tried a true launch yet because of only 400 miles on it, but I'm assuming it's very similar to stock by the way it feels. I did slip it once so far.... and no smell at all whatsoever.

So far... I'm VERY satisfied with this set-up! It's definitely feels allot stronger than the stock set-up.... and at $500 it's good bargain IMHO. I fully recommend it thus far.... and I'll post again once I get more miles on it.

 

how was the install?

 

 

I did not install it myself... I have a local performance shop that I trust to do a long job like this -- no way would I have the tools, space (I have a 1-car garage), or time. However, they said that it wasn't bad but it takes time. They charged me a flat $650 but they do great work... I trust them over the dealer by far! The owner races RX-7's. I'm sure that David Bushur knows him because they've competed against each other many times... the name is Lowe's Performance.

You have to assume that it's the same as installing a stock clutch set-up... the ONLY difference is that that ACT pressure plate is more beefy.

 

Good to know. I'm starting to think about aftermarket clutches myself.

Have you experienced any "chatter" or increased decel noise from the throwout bearing?

 

Cool. I like ACT clutch too. It will be my next clutch after the stock wear out.

Great setup, evo1.

 

i got one in my eclipse ACT clutch 2100 . I LOVE it. I would definatley go with them

 

I had the ACT on my s2000 and I loved it, when mine goes (probably over the winter) it will certainly be my choice

 

i have the 2600 on my eclipse, its the best clutch out there. i know, because i had 3 clutchmasters stage3's none lasted over 6 mo. and my act is going on 2 years of 5-6 6k clutch dumps a week

 

No "chatter" or increased decel noise whatsoever! It feels very close to the stock set-up, with the exception of increased pedal resistance due to the upgraded pressure plate, and I think it engages 'slightly' quicker than stock (seems to engage at approx. 75% to the floor). I really dig this new set-up because the stock pressure plate felt weak to me....

The increased clutch pedal pressure takes a day or two to get used to, but then becomes obvious that it's a nice improvement. I feel like I have more control with the upgraded pressure plate, my shifts are smoother, and the clutch seems to grab very nicely... no grinding!

 

Holy shizzznit!!!

That's good to know man... thanks! Hey... I couldn't bring myself to drop over a grand on an Exedy, and I wanted a clutch that is very streetable, quiet, and easy to launch. This was a 'no brainer' for me at only $495.

 

Thanks mon...

 

Did you get the clutch. I can't find anything on the net.


Thanks

 

Hey what's up Evo1! Did you ever remove your restrictor at the time you got your SS line in? I got my SS line done only.

 

Nice write-up!!

It sounds like a great solution, with no detriment to drivability. MMC is probably a shareholder in ACT

Its also nice to hear from others that have used Act products successfully with no issues after hard usage. This will be an excellent choice for many !

Thanks again evo1 !

N10S