ACT HD Clutch review

By: n00b240

After tooling around on the ACT website, comparing prices, and clutch options, I decided to go with the RB clutch setup, and the next step was to source an RB25 flywheel.

I dont really have any other clutch experience so this review is compared to a stock clutch that has seen quite a few runs at the auto-x.

Clutch in, and I got ready for a test drive. I stalled the car. I was not ready for the clutch to be so heavy. I really dont know how to describe how heavy it is, unless you have driven another car. Of course its all subjective, but with me at 135 lbs, scrawny legs, it was a bit of a shock. Initial engagement is quite harsh. The car nearly stalled several times after that. After running it on the street for a bit, shifting between gears became very easy.

However, it is that initial quick and very harsh engagement that, at least for the break in period will require you to leave a gap between your car and the car in front of you, to be at least half a car length to a full car length. If you dont, you WILL run into that car, the clutch will grab and it will send you forward. Lucky for me I figured this out early as I was the first car at a light, or had slowed down enough to wait for a light to turn green and then engage nearly hitting a car in front of me.

I took 2 weeks to break in the clutch, and after that Ive got no complaints. It shifts very smooth. I’ve been able to temper the harsh engagement to the point where it is extremely smooth. There is a reason why there is a street clutch and a race clutch. And the harsher the engagement the more dangerous it is for daily driven street use. Do I recommend such a setup. Hell yes, especially after the break in period, the clutch grab as smooth as a stock clutch. And you can always change your driving style to suit street use or track use.

Clutch chatter is fairly minimal, and is loudest on initial engagement. Otherwise it is smooth sailing. I really dont know what else to talk about for such a review. I tried to talk about harsh engagement, since that is a phrase I didnt even understand until I was out on the street. Clutch Chatter, Ive heard before on the Kuah’s Z32. And if any of you have sat in that car, you KNOW, that chatter is loud.