ACT 1997 Acura CL XT/Race Sprung 6 Pad Clutch Kit

ACT HA3-XTG6 is the clutch for an F- or H-series Honda that makes far more power than the factory clutch can hold: turbo F23 Accords, built H22 Preludes and Acura CL swaps that see the drag strip. Our listing is titled for the 1997 Acura CL, and ACT builds it for the 1997-1999 CL 2.2L and 2.3L five-speed, the 1990-2002 Accord 2.2L and 2.3L, and the 1992-2001 Prelude 2.2L and 2.3L. It pairs ACT's Xtreme pressure plate with a sprung 6-pad ceramic race disc, and it is not meant for a stock commuter car.

What this clutch kit does in a CL, Accord or Prelude

The diaphragm spring in the pressure plate clamps the disc against the flywheel, and the disc hub turns the transmission input shaft. When boost or a built motor overwhelms that clamp load, the disc slips and quickly glazes. ACT rates HA3-XTG6 at 490 ft-lb at the crank, 150% over the factory clutch, using its H026X Xtreme pressure plate.

The disc is ACT part 6224210, an 8.8 in (224 mm) 6-pad ceramic race disc with a spring center. The springs damp torsional vibration so the disc survives hard launches and street use better than a rigid hub. The trade-off is in the feel: ACT describes moderate to heavy pedal effort and aggressive engagement, with shifting that is faster but harsher. If the car is a mostly stock daily driver, the HA3-HDSS street kit or the milder HA3-SPSS Sport kit will be far easier to live with.

Symptoms that call for a race clutch

• The existing clutch slips as soon as boost comes in, even when it is fairly new
• Engagement point near the top of the pedal and a burnt smell after a pull
• Chatter on takeoff from a glazed disc or a hot-spotted flywheel
• Noise that changes with pedal position, usually the release bearing
• Hard engagement of gears, which can also come from air in the hydraulics or a worn release fork pivot

How to confirm the clutch is the problem

In third or fourth at low rpm, go to full throttle and watch for engine speed climbing ahead of road speed. Check the hydraulic system and release fork before you pull the transmission, since a sticking slave or worn pivot can mimic a bad clutch. Our slipping diagnosis guide covers how slip feels, and the organic vs. ceramic disc guide helps you decide whether a ceramic 6-pad really suits how you drive.

Fitment

ACT's application list for HA3-XTG6 covers the 1997-1999 Acura CL 2.2L (F22B1) and 2.3L (F23A1) five-speed, the 1990-2002 Honda Accord 2.2L (F22) and 2.3L (F23), and the 1992-2001 Prelude 2.2L (F22A1, H22A1, H22A4) and 2.3L (H23A1). It does not fit the 2001-2003 CL Type-S or the V6 Accord. Swapped cars are common on these chassis, so match the engine and transmission you actually have, not just the badge, and send us the year and VIN if in doubt. Accord background is on our Accord transmission problems page, and more kits are in the rebuild kits collection.

Install notes

• The kit includes the H026X Xtreme pressure plate, 6224210 6-pad disc, AT58 alignment tool and RB817 release bearing.
• Resurface or replace the flywheel. ACT lists its 600190 XACT Streetlite flywheel for these applications.
• Inspect the release fork and pivot while the transmission is out and lubricate the contact points sparingly.
• Center the disc with the AT58 tool, tighten the plate bolts evenly in a crossing pattern to factory torque, then bleed the hydraulic clutch.
• ACT says race discs usually need only a few hard slips to lap in the surfaces. Expect pedal effort to rise; ACT quotes 50-80% for its Xtreme plates.

Will HA3-XTG6 fit my 1998 Acura CL 2.3?

Yes. ACT lists it for the 1997-1999 CL 2.2L (F22B1) and 2.3L (F23A1) with the five-speed manual.

Does it fit my Accord or Prelude?

ACT lists the 1990-2002 Accord 2.2L and 2.3L four-cylinder and the 1992-2001 Prelude with the F22A1, H22A1, H22A4 or H23A1. It does not fit V6 models.

Is this clutch good for daily driving?

It can be driven on the street, but ACT describes moderate to heavy pedal effort and aggressive engagement. It is meant for high-horsepower street or race cars. A near-stock car is better served by the HA3-HDSS or HA3-SPSS street kits.

Is a throwout bearing included?

Yes. The kit contains the H026X pressure plate, 6224210 disc, AT58 alignment tool and RB817 release bearing.

How much torque will it hold?

ACT rates HA3-XTG6 at 490 ft-lb measured at the crank, 150% over the factory clutch.

• Transmission Slipping Diagnosis Guide
• Shift Flare vs. Slip: How to Tell the Difference
• Automatic vs. Manual Transmission Repair Cost