Clutches

Clutches are one of the most highly purchased drivetrain components that need to be replaced in your vehicle and the shelf life depends on your power levels and your driving style. The more horsepower and boost you are making, you need a stronger clutch that includes a heavy-duty pressure plate that clamps down on one or multiple discs depending on your power levels. And in this section, you will also find all of the related clutch components to replace if the rest of your clutch parts are in good working order. 

 

• SINGLE DISC CLUTCHES: These are highly versatile. Typically when you think of high-horsepower cars making 5+ WHP, you would think that they need a 2 or 3-disc clutch kit. And that is true depending on the clutch manufacturer, however, there are single-disc clutch kits that are capable of supporting 4, 5, and 6 horsepower levels for your Subaru WRX or STI. This is accomplished with a pressure plate with a higher clamping load that is combined with the main ingredient which is the clutch disc design. These clutch discs will have thick friction pads that can disengage the flywheel during high-performance driving conditions. Note that the single-disc clutch kits that are made to support higher horsepower levels might not be the most comfortable clutches to drive in terms of engagement. Aside from these high-horsepower single-disc examples, remember that we have OEM-like clutch kits that support OEM power levels, and we carry several upon several examples that are perfect for those of you making between 3-45 WHP that are very streetable with OEM-like driving manners. 

 

• MULTI-DISC CLUTCH KITS: Multi-disc clutch kits have been designed to really support big horsepower levels. You have a Mitsubishi Evo 8 with a forward-facing turbo kit, forged guts, and a moon tune that is waiting in line at the drag strip with an STI with a rotated turbo kit, forged guts, also with a moon tune. More than likely both cars will have a multi-disc clutch kit to support 8+ HP levels. Compared to a single-disc kit, multi-disc clutch kits are separated by floater plates and are available in 2, and sometimes more clutch discs. The purpose of multiple discs is to greatly increase the clamping power to sustain high levels of torque. Multi-disc clutch kits take a little use to while driving, but usually are more streetable when compared to a really aggressive single-disc clutch kit with 4 or 6 friction pads where you really can't slip these clutches, and make for a painful driving experience if you get stuck in traffic. Multi-disc clutch kits will usually include their own flywheel designed with a specific weight to maintain a good balance. We carry a great selection by some of the most familiar brands in the clutch industry that include the likes of ACT, Exedy, as well as South Bend, and XClutch. 

 

• FLYWHEELS: Without a good flywheel your clutch cannot work properly. In Layman's terms, your flywheel is like a brake disc and your clutch disc is like a brake pad. What would cause your brakes not to work? There are a few instances so let's discuss scenarios that would relate to a function of a flywheel. Brake fade happens when your pads get so hot that it glazes over the disc preventing friction. And the other reason is that your brake pad is simply gone and can't stop the car. Same function as a flywheel. Your flywheel can either be glazed with clutch disc debris preventing a proper clutch engagement, or your flywheel could simply be worn. Depending on how worn your flywheel is, you could get it resurfaced at a good machine shop, or you can just get a replacement. We have many options. We have OEM-like flywheels that have the same weight and rotational mass. These will be the most comfortable to drive in as the heavy flywheel absorbs a lot of the clutch shock, and it is easier to slip the disc when driving for everyday purposes. Lightweight flywheels add more horsepower and torque. This is achieved because the lighter the flywheel, the less rotational mass at the crankshaft. This will allow the engine to rev faster which will free more power. Depending on what lightweight flywheel you choose, sometimes a tune is required because otherwise, your ECU won't recognize the extra power output, and you could be hitting more boost and need the right timing and fuel tables to compensate, or you need to readjust the boost. Also, note that lightweight flywheels will create more clutch chatter noises which is normal when compared to a flywheel with OEM-like weight. 

 

• CLUTCH REPLACEMENT PARTS: If you're guilty of trying to do an AWD burnout but you smoked your clutch instead, you're in the right spot. In this section, you're going to find all of the right clutch components that you can purchase separately if the rest of your clutch components are in good working order. You can find clutch discs, flywheel bolts, clutch forks, and that retainer ring on the Exedy clutch that likes to pop off every time your input shaft makes contact. You can also find major components such as a pressure plate and throw-out bearing. This is also a great way to help you save money so that you don't have to purchase an entirely new clutch kit. 

 

• CLUTCH LINES: The examples we carry all feature braided stainless construction. Why is this important? Because the OEM clutch line can expand over time, potentially creating little air pockets that can cause premature wear, while affecting your overall clutch efficiency. And if they break then you will have no function of your clutch whatsoever. Braided stainless clutch lines do not expand under pressure, giving you a direct response from the pedal to the slave cylinder. This promotes a better clutch response, with better clutch wear and efficiency, and the installation is fairly simple for the available makes and models.