ACT 1997 Acura CL HD/Perf Street Sprung Clutch Kit

ACT HA3-HDSS is a Heavy Duty pressure plate and Performance Street sprung organic disc package for the 1997-1999 Acura CL with the four-cylinder and five-speed, and it also covers the 1990-2002 Honda Accord and 1992-2001 Prelude that share the F and H series bellhousing. Most buyers land here because the factory clutch on a high-mileage CL or Accord has started to slip in the higher gears, or because a header, intake and tune on an H22 Prelude has pushed past what a stock clutch will hold.

What this clutch kit does on an F22B1 or F23A1 Acura CL

The CL coupe used the 2.2L F22B1 for 1997 and the 2.3L F23A1 for 1998-1999, both mounted transversely and driving the front wheels through a single dry clutch. HA3-HDSS replaces every wear part in that stack: the H026 Heavy Duty pressure plate, the 3000110 Performance Street sprung disc, an RB817 release bearing and an AT58 alignment tool. ACT rates the package at 275 ft-lb at the crank, which it lists as 41 percent above the factory clutch, with a 224 mm (8.8 in) organic disc and a 1.03125 in input shaft.

The extra holding power comes from clamp load, not from a grabby friction material. ACT heat treats the diaphragm spring in four stages so it resists deflection, and the street disc uses a high-copper organic lining on a steel backing with reduced marcel for quicker shifts. The sprung hub keeps the drivetrain smooth, so ACT describes the feel as light to moderate pedal effort with smooth, positive engagement and only OE to mild gear rattle. That is the reason this is the kit most CL and Accord owners pick for a car that is still driven daily.

Symptoms that point to a worn clutch

• RPM rises in fourth or fifth on a highway pass or uphill while road speed stays flat
• Engagement point has climbed to the very top of the pedal travel
• Chatter or shudder when pulling away in first or reverse
• A chirp or growl that appears or disappears when the pedal is pressed, typical of a tired release bearing
• Grinding going into gears because the clutch does not fully release
• Burnt friction smell after a steep driveway or stop-and-go traffic

How to confirm before you buy

Start with the hydraulics. The clutch master and slave on these Hondas run on brake fluid, and a low reservoir, a weeping slave or air in the line can mimic a worn disc by leaving the clutch partly engaged. Bleed the system and check for leaks first. Then do a load test: in fourth gear at about 2,000 rpm, roll into full throttle and watch the tachometer. If rpm jumps ahead of speed, the disc is slipping. Our slipping diagnosis guide walks through separating clutch slip from other drivetrain problems, and manual versus automatic repair cost shows why catching it early saves the flywheel.

Fitment

Our listing is titled for the 1997 Acura CL, and ACT lists the same part for 1997-1999 Acura CL 2.2L F22B1 and 2.3L F23A1 five-speed, 1990-2002 Honda Accord 2.2L and 2.3L, and 1992-2001 Honda Prelude 2.2L and 2.3L including the H22A1, H22A4 and H23A1. The 3.0L V6 CL is not on ACT's list for this kit. Engine swaps and JDM transmissions can change the input spline or bellhousing, so compare your old disc and pressure plate to this kit or send us your year and VIN before ordering. Browse more clutch and rebuild parts in our rebuild kits collection.

Install notes

• Have the flywheel resurfaced or replace it. ACT lists its 600190 Streetlite for this application, and a lightweight XACT flywheel is the logical swap while the transmission is out.
• Center the disc with the supplied alignment tool and tighten the pressure plate bolts gradually in a crisscross pattern to factory torque.
• Install the new RB817 release bearing that comes in the kit and lightly grease the release fork pivot and input shaft splines.
• Inspect the rear main seal and transmission input seal for oil before closing it up; oil on a new organic disc ruins it.
• Refill the transmission with the gear oil listed in your owner's manual and bleed the clutch hydraulics.
• Drive gently for the first few hundred miles so the disc beds evenly.

If the car will see track days or a turbo, compare the ACT XT race sprung 6-pad kit or the milder Sport street kit before deciding.

Will HA3-HDSS fit a 1998 or 1999 Acura CL 2.3L?

Yes. ACT lists this kit for 1997-1999 Acura CL with the 2.2L F22B1 and the 2.3L F23A1 five-speed. Our listing is titled 1997, but the same part number covers all three four-cylinder years.

Does it also fit a Honda Accord or Prelude?

ACT lists it for 1990-2002 Honda Accord 2.2L and 2.3L and 1992-2001 Honda Prelude 2.2L and 2.3L, including H22A1, H22A4 and H23A1 engines. Send your VIN if the car has an engine or transmission swap.

What is in the box?

The H026 Heavy Duty pressure plate, the 3000110 Performance Street sprung disc, an RB817 release bearing and an AT58 alignment tool. The flywheel is sold separately.

How much torque does it hold?

ACT rates it at 275 ft-lb measured at the crank, 41 percent more than the stock clutch, which leaves a big margin over a stock or bolt-on F22, F23 or H22.

Is the pedal much heavier than stock?

ACT describes light to moderate pedal effort with smooth engagement. It is firmer than a worn factory clutch but is intended for street driving.

Should I replace the flywheel too?

At minimum have it resurfaced. If it is heat checked, cracked or below minimum thickness, replace it; ACT lists its 600190 Streetlite flywheel for this kit.

• Transmission Slipping Diagnosis Guide
• Shift Flare vs Slip: What Is the Difference
• Automatic vs Manual Transmission Repair Cost