A smooth and flat flywheel surface is critical for proper clutch operation and longevity. It is extremely important to maintain the proper step in the flywheel, when applicable. A good automotive machine shop will also be able to rebalance the flywheel to ensure that the engine stays smooth and can reach higher RPM without damage to the engine. For special applications, the flywheel may be altered for better performance. For example, racers using a slow-wearing, sintered, metallic clutch disc may change the flywheel step to put the pressure plate closer to peak clamp load because they are not worried about shortening the longevity of the clutch. This job should be left to an expert performance clutch rebuilder, who can properly analyze the characteristics of the flywheel, pressure plate and disc used.
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Improved disengagement on Turbo Eclipse, Talon, Laser and Galant VR4
Refer to our previous post if you are having disengagement issues and if you still need to improve disengagement, here are some common areas to examine. For First Generation 1989-1994, first examine the pedal assembly. The lever arm connection to the pedal cross shaft has been found to wear down and decrease the distance the pushrod travels into the clutch master cylinder. Replace the lever arm or pedal assembly as needed. Secondly, examine the throw out bearing for proper lubrication on the guide tube and clutch pivot ball. Thirdly, you may replace the rubber hydraulic line with a steel-braided line for better action.
In Second Generation 1995-1999, these cars have an accumulator cylinder that operates between the clutch master cylinder and the slave cylinder, which is designed to reduce feedback to the driver. Therefore, it increases travel requirements. Consider bypassing this device to decrease the travel requirements and give the driver more feedback. Due to a manufacturer’s defect, the crankshaft design tends to prematurely wear the thrust bearing on some engines. It is commonly referred to as “crank walk.” This does not happen to all vehicles but happens frequently enough to be mentioned. Next, examine the throw out bearing for proper lubrication on the guide tube and clutch pivot ball. Lastly, you can replace the rubber hydraulic line with a steel-braided line for better action.
Release point adjustments to the hydraulic system
On some applications, when an ACT pressure plate is installed, the engage/release point may become closer to the floor. As long as the hydraulics are working properly, this change may be due to flex caused from the added forces placed on the pressure plate and linkage from the increased pressure. A disc that has excessive marcel could also take extra travel to release. In most cases, a small adjustment of the clutch master cylinder pushrod reducing pedal free play will cure the problem. This adjustment is made by screwing the pushrod farther into the clutch master cylinder to allow it to actuate the cylinder sooner. You may also desire to increase pedal travel by adjusting the pedal stop (when equipped). You should never preload the clutch master cylinder. Most repair manuals include instructions and adjustment specifications, which is a great starting point. Clutch pedal travel can also be limited by aftermarket clutch pedals, floor mats or carpet.
Proper use of ACT pressure plates
Advanced Clutch Technology clutches are made to replace the stock units and increase the torque capacity of the clutch. They can be used for many applications. To ensure your safety, follow the recommended RPM limits set by the automobile manufacturer, do not allow the clutch to overheat and conform to all rules set by the sanctioning racing organization. For high RPM or abusive applications, a bellhousing scatter shield should be installed to reduce the chance of personal injury. ACT certifies many ACT pressure plates up to a determined RPM as meeting SFI Specification 1.1 or 1.2. These parts are clearly marked with a SFI serialized certification sticker. Warning: Some ACT pressure plates do not meet SFI requirements because of original equipment gray iron materials and must be considered unsafe for racing, increased RPM or abusive driving. An SFI Specification 6.1 or 9.1 containment bellhousing may be used. ACT accepts no liability for clutches used for racing as many other factors are involved. If you have any questions about an application, please call ACT.
ACT Releases Performance Clutch Kits for the 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler 3.8L
Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) has released Heavy Duty clutch kits for the 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler 3.8L. 
ACT’s new clutch kits for the 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler include a Heavy Duty pressure plate, a choice of disc, release bearing, pilot bearing and alignment tool. The Heavy Duty pressure plate incorporates hardened diaphragm fingers for decreased wear and provides a 37 percent increase in clamp force over the stock unit.
The ACT Street clutch kits combine the Heavy Duty pressure plate with a performance organic street disc. The disc features premium organic friction materials able to withstand increased heat and abuse, steel-backed linings for high-burst strength and modifications engineered for quicker shifting. The ACT Street clutch kit provides a moderate and consistent pedal feel, smooth engagement and significantly improved durability. These kits have increased torque capacity up to 530 lbs./ft.
The ACT Race clutch kits combine the Heavy Duty pressure plate with a cerametallic Xtreme Race disc, which is available in 6-pad, spring-centered or rigid-hub design. These discs are very durable while allowing for quick shifting. The Xtreme Race discs are for high-powered engines and recommended for track use only. The ACT Race clutch kits will hold 680 lbs./ft. of torque.
Click here to view the full press release and spec sheet.
ACT Releases SFI-Approved Performance Clutch Kits for the 1999-2001 Porsche 911
Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) has released performance clutch kits for the 1999-2001 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera 4.
ACT’s new clutch kits for the Porsche applications listed above include a Heavy Duty pressure plate, a choice of disc, release bearing, pilot bearing and alignment tool. The Heavy Duty pressure plate features a precision stamped cover for maximum consistency and rigidity, and a thicker casting with a wider friction surface area that allows for higher heat capacity and longer clutch life. The pressure plate also incorporates hardened diaphragm fingers for decreased bearing surface wear and is designed within the optimum working range to maximize clutch life, clamp load and release travel.
The ACT Street clutch kits combine the Heavy Duty pressure plate with a rigid-hub street disc. The disc features special performance organic friction materials able to withstand increased heat and abuse, steel-backed linings for high-burst strength and modifications engineered for quicker shifting. The ACT Street clutch kits provide a moderate and consistent pedal feel, smooth engagement and significantly improved durability. These kits meet SFI Spec 1.1 and have increased torque capacity up to 525 lbs./ft.
The ACT Race clutch kits combine the Heavy Duty pressure plate with a cerametallic Xtreme Race disc, which is available in 6- and 4-pad rigid-hub designs. These discs are very durable while allowing for quick shifting. The Xtreme Race discs are for high-powered engines and recommended for track use only. The ACT Race clutch kits meet SFI Spec 1.1 and will hold 670 lbs./ft. of torque.
To view the full press release and spec sheet, please click here.
ACT Releases SFI-Approved Performance Clutch Kits for the 2002-2004 Porsche 911
Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) has released performance clutch kits for the 2002-2004 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera 4, 2002-2004 Porsche 911 Targa and the 2000-2002 Porsche Boxster S.
ACT’s new clutch kits for the Porsche applications listed above include a Heavy Duty pressure plate, a choice of disc, release bearing, pilot bearing and alignment tool. The Heavy Duty pressure plate features a precision stamped cover for maximum consistency and rigidity, and a thicker casting with a wider friction surface area that allows for higher heat capacity and longer clutch life. The pressure plate also incorporates hardened diaphragm fingers for decreased bearing surface wear and is designed within the optimum working range to maximize clutch life, clamp load and release travel.
The ACT Street clutch kits combine the Heavy Duty pressure plate with a rigid-hub street disc. The disc features special performance organic friction materials able to withstand increased heat and abuse, steel-backed linings for high-burst strength and modifications engineered for quicker shifting. The ACT Street clutch kits provide a moderate and consistent pedal feel, smooth engagement and significantly improved durability. These kits meet SFI Spec 1.1 and have increased torque capacity up to 525lbs./ft.
The ACT Race clutch kits combine the Heavy Duty pressure plate with a cerametallic Xtreme Race disc, which is available in 6- and 4-pad rigid-hub designs. These discs are very durable while allowing for quick shifting. The Xtreme Race discs are for high-powered engines and recommended for track use only. The ACT Race clutch kits meet SFI Spec 1.1 and will hold 670 lbs./ft. of torque.
To view the full press release and spec sheet, please click here.
9K Racing is hosting a Christmas Giveaway
Our buddies over at 9K Racing LLC are hosting a Christmas Giveaway for a lucky individual to win their Nissan R32 Skyline. Proceeds will be going to charity. Buy your ticket today or spread the link around if you can’t purchase one.
Cure for the off season blues
Advanced Clutch Technology is proud to announce the debut of our new sponsored driver video series, Hit and Run, set to run through the off season. We spent time with Team ACT drivers during the 2011 racing season to get to the bottom of those deep, heart-to-heart questions we’ve all wanted answers to like:
- Which famous person, dead or alive, would you like to fight? Why?
- If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
- Name five famous people, dead or alive, that you would like to have dinner with.
- What are your five desert island discs/albums?
- Advanced Clutch Technology is ________?
Tune in at the beginning of each month to catch the next video in the series and get revved up for the 2012 racing season.
Sponsorship tips from StreetLegalTV.com
Each year, the time between the SEMA Show and the beginning of spring means aftermarket manufacturers’ mailboxes are full of driver, team and series sponsorship proposals. That’s why when we saw Paul Huizenga’s post, “Paid to Race,” on StreetLegalTV.com, we thought our readers might want to check it out:
“When you’re in the automotive publishing business, one of the consequences of the job is that you often get asked, “how do I get sponsorship for my race team?” It’s a decent question – racing is expensive, and it’s natural to want help when you’re building a new motor or upgrading your car for next season. What I usually find, though, is that the racers have only a vague idea of what a sponsorship really is, or how to go about getting one…” Click here to read more at StreetLegalTV.com.
Click here to view ACT’s sponsored drivers and contingency payout information.
