ACT 2001 Lexus IS300 XT/Perf Street Sprung Clutch Kit

ACT TS5-XTSS is a firm street clutch for the manual Lexus IS300, aimed at owners who have added boost or serious power to the 3.0L inline six and need more clamp load without the harsh manners of a puck disc. Our listing is titled 2001 IS300; ACT's own application list for this kit is the 2002-2005 IS300 with the 3.0L engine, so read the fitment section below before ordering.

What this clutch kit does in an IS300

The pressure plate bolts to the flywheel and clamps the disc so engine torque reaches the transmission input shaft. ACT pairs its T021X Xtreme pressure plate with the 3000604 Performance Street sprung disc and rates TS5-XTSS at 350 ft-lb at the crank, 62% over the factory clutch. That headroom is why this kit is popular with turbocharged IS300s, where a stock-rated clutch slips as soon as boost builds.

The disc is 9.3 in (236 mm) with organic facing, high copper content and a steel-backed lining, plus a sprung hub on a 1.125 in spline. ACT calls the feel moderate to heavy pedal effort with smooth engagement and OE to mild gear rattle, and recommends it for street and race use. If the car is close to stock, ACT's TS5-HDSS Heavy Duty kit keeps the pedal lighter. For a dedicated track car, the TS5-HDR6 rigid 6-pad kit is the race option.

Symptoms that point to the clutch

• Revs rise under boost or full throttle in third through fifth without the car accelerating harder
• The pedal engages higher than it used to
• Rattle or knock at idle that goes away when the pedal is pressed, a common sign of a worn dual-mass flywheel
• Shudder from a stop or a burnt smell after spirited driving
• Whirring or chirping with the pedal down, which points at the release bearing

How to confirm before you buy

Run a slip check in fourth gear at low rpm under full throttle and watch the tach against the speedometer. Inspect the clutch hydraulics for leaks and bleed them, since a release that sticks partway can mimic slip. On high-mileage cars, listen at idle for flywheel rattle; our dual-mass flywheel failure guide explains what it sounds like. The clutch slipping causes and fixes page covers the rest.

Fitment

ACT lists TS5-XTSS for the 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 Lexus IS300 Base with the 3.0L inline six. ACT does not list a 2001 IS300 for this kit, which lines up with the manual IS300 arriving for the 2002 model year in the US. If you have a 2001 or a car converted from automatic, confirm the bellhousing, flywheel and transmission you actually have, or send us the year and VIN and we will check before it ships.

The big catch: ACT says this kit must be used with an aftermarket single-mass flywheel, which is not included. It will not bolt up to the factory dual-mass flywheel. Plan the flywheel purchase with the clutch, and read dual-mass vs. single-mass flywheels for what changes in noise and feel.

Install notes

• The kit contains the T021X pressure plate, 3000604 disc, AT11 alignment tool, RB443 release bearing and PB1004 pilot bearing, so the wear items are covered.
• Pull the old pilot bearing cleanly from the crank; a pilot bearing puller makes that easy.
• Use the alignment tool to center the disc on the new single-mass flywheel, then tighten the plate bolts a little at a time in a crossing pattern to spec.
• Bleed the clutch after installation; see how to bleed a hydraulic clutch.
• Give the organic disc 300-500 miles of mild driving before hard launches, per ACT, and expect a heavier pedal: ACT puts its Xtreme plates at 50-80% more effort than stock.

Want to stay close to factory feel instead? The Exedy OE replacement kit is the stock-style option for 2002-2003 cars.

Does TS5-XTSS fit a 2001 Lexus IS300?

ACT lists it for the 2002-2005 IS300 only. The manual IS300 came for the 2002 model year in the US, so send us your year and VIN if your car is a 2001 or a conversion and we will confirm.

Can I use my factory flywheel?

No. ACT says the kit must be used with an aftermarket single-mass flywheel, which is not included. The factory IS300 manual flywheel is a dual-mass unit.

How much torque will it hold?

ACT rates TS5-XTSS at 350 ft-lb measured at the crank, 62% more than the factory clutch.

What comes in the kit?

The T021X Xtreme pressure plate, 3000604 Performance Street sprung disc, AT11 alignment tool, RB443 release bearing and PB1004 pilot bearing.

Is it OK for daily driving?

Yes. ACT recommends it for street and race use and describes smooth engagement, but the Xtreme plate brings a moderate to heavy pedal. If the car is near stock, TS5-HDSS has a lighter pedal.

How do I break in the new clutch?

ACT recommends 300-500 miles of mild engagement, such as normal city driving, before racing or hard launches, without overheating the clutch.

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