ACT 2002 Acura RSX XT/Perf Street Sprung Clutch Kit

The ACT AR1-XTSS is the kit K-series owners pick when the stock clutch in an Acura RSX starts slipping in third and fourth after an intake, header and tune, but the car still has to be pleasant in traffic. It pairs ACT's heaviest-clamping Xtreme pressure plate with its organic Performance Street sprung disc, so you get a big jump in holding power without the chatter of a puck disc. Our listing is titled for the 2002 RSX; ACT catalogs the same kit across the 2002-2006 RSX Base and Type-S, the 2002-2011 Civic Si and the 2004-2008 TSX.

What the clutch kit does in an RSX

The K20 in the RSX bolts to a hydraulically released single-disc clutch. When the engine makes more torque than the pressure plate can clamp, the disc slips against the flywheel, heats up and glazes. ACT rates AR1-XTSS at 340 ft-lb at the crank, 78 percent over the factory clutch, using a 214 mm (8.4 in) disc on the 1-1/32 in input shaft. The Xtreme diaphragm is heat treated to raise clamp load and cut deflection; the trade-off is pedal effort, which ACT says rises 50-80 percent for Xtreme plates. The disc uses high-copper organic facings on a steel backing with reduced marcel, so engagement stays smooth and gear rattle stays close to stock.

In the box: H024X Xtreme pressure plate, 3000108 Performance Street sprung disc, RB313 release bearing, PBNA004 pilot bushing and AT78 alignment tool. The flywheel is not included. ACT lists the kit at 11.1 lb.

Symptoms this kit fixes

• RPM flares without the car pulling harder in third, fourth or fifth, worst at VTEC crossover
• Burnt-friction smell after a hard pull or a few launches
• Engagement point creeping to the top of the pedal as the disc wears thin
• Chatter on takeoff from a glazed disc or heat-spotted flywheel
• A worn release bearing that chirps or growls when the pedal is pressed

How to confirm the clutch is the problem

Hold fourth gear at about 3,000 RPM and go to full throttle. If the tach climbs faster than road speed, the clutch is slipping. Our slipping diagnosis guide covers the test, and flare vs. slip helps sort out what you are feeling. Before buying, rule out a soft pedal from a weeping slave cylinder or old fluid; the clutch slipping causes guide lists the hydraulic checks. A rear main or transmission seal leaking oil onto the disc will also slip a brand-new clutch.

Fitment

ACT lists AR1-XTSS for the 2002-2006 Acura RSX Base and Type-S, the 2002-2011 Honda Civic Si (including the 2002-2004 Civic SiR and 2008 Mugen Si) and the 2004-2008 Acura TSX 2.4L. Base RSX 5-speed and Type-S 6-speed share this kit. If your car has a K-series swap, a non-factory transmission or an aftermarket flywheel, send us the year and VIN and we will confirm before it ships. Want a lighter pedal? The ACT AR1-HDSS Heavy Duty kit uses the same disc with a softer plate.

Install notes

• Resurface or replace the flywheel. A lighter steel unit such as the 11 lb steel flywheel sharpens throttle response and gives the new disc a fresh face.
• Press in the new pilot bushing, center the disc with the AT78 tool, and torque the pressure plate bolts in a star pattern in several passes to factory spec.
• Inspect the fork and pivot, grease the input splines lightly, and bleed the hydraulics with the brake fluid grade on the reservoir cap. A braided line and cylinder kit firms up the pedal under the heavier Xtreme clamp.
• ACT recommends 300-500 miles of mild driving before launches or track use so the organic facings bed in.

Will AR1-XTSS fit both the RSX Base and Type-S?

Yes. ACT lists AR1-XTSS for the 2002-2006 RSX Base and Type-S, plus the 2002-2011 Civic Si and 2004-2008 TSX.

How much heavier is the pedal?

ACT says its Xtreme pressure plates raise pedal effort 50-80 percent over stock depending on the car. If you want a lighter pedal, the Heavy Duty AR1-HDSS is the step down.

How much torque will it hold?

ACT rates the kit at 340 ft-lb at the crank, 78 percent more than the factory clutch.

Is a flywheel included?

No. The kit has the pressure plate, sprung organic disc, release bearing, pilot bushing and alignment tool. Resurface your flywheel or replace it.

What fluid does the clutch hydraulic system use?

The clutch hydraulics run on brake fluid; use the grade marked on your reservoir cap and bleed the system after the install.

Is there a break-in period?

Yes. ACT recommends 300-500 miles of mild, stop-and-go driving before hard launches or track use.

• How to Diagnose Transmission Slipping
• Shift Flare vs. Slip: How to Tell Them Apart
• Automatic vs. Manual Transmission Repair Cost