ACT HD/Perf Street Sprung Clutch Kit
ACT NS3-HDSS is the heavy duty street clutch for the rear-wheel-drive JDM Nissan Skyline with the RB20DET or RB25DET and the five-speed manual: the 1989-1992 R32 GTS-T and the 1993-1998 R33 GTS-25T. Owners usually come looking for it when an imported Skyline starts slipping in third or fourth once boost comes in, when the pedal engages right at the top of its travel, or when a mild boost increase has outgrown the tired factory clutch. It keeps an organic street disc and a manageable pedal while adding a large margin of holding power.
The single-plate clutch sits between the RB flywheel and the five-speed's input shaft. When the pedal is released, the pressure plate diaphragm clamps the disc against the flywheel and boost torque goes straight through it, so any shortfall in clamp load shows up as slip at peak boost rather than off idle. NS3-HDSS uses ACT's N013 Heavy Duty pressure plate, with a heat-treated diaphragm built to raise clamp load and cut deflection, and the 3000405 Performance Street sprung disc. The disc is 240 mm (9.4 in) with a 1 in input spline, a steel-backed organic lining high in copper, and a sprung hub that absorbs driveline shock on a street car.
ACT rates the kit at 410 ft-lb at the crank, 45 percent over the factory clutch, and describes the feel as light to moderate pedal effort with smooth engagement. That covers a stock or moderately boosted RB25DET or RB20DET used on the street. For heavier boost or hard launches, the NS3-HDG6 six-pad kit uses the same N013 plate with a sprung race disc.
A clutch problem does not set a trouble code on these cars, so diagnosis comes down to a road test and inspection.
With the engine warm, hold fourth gear at low rpm and go to full throttle. If the tach rises faster than the car accelerates, the disc is slipping. Our guide to clutch slipping symptoms and causes covers the test and the other faults that mimic it, such as a slave cylinder that does not fully return or oil on the friction face from a leaking rear main or input seal. The flare versus slip article is useful if you are not sure whether the problem is the clutch or your shifting. If the clutch grabs and shudders rather than slips, read clutch chatter on takeoff first, because a warped flywheel will ruin a new disc.
ACT lists NS3-HDSS for the JDM 1989-1992 Nissan Skyline GTS-T (R32) 2.0L RB20DET and the JDM 1993-1998 Skyline GTS-25T (R33) 2.5L RB25DET, rear-wheel drive with the five-speed. It is not listed for the all-wheel-drive GT-R or the RB26DETT, and the R34 is not on ACT's list for this part number. Imported Skylines very often carry swapped engines, gearboxes or aftermarket flywheels, so confirm the engine, the five-speed and the flywheel actually on the car, and compare the old disc's diameter and spline count before the transmission comes out. If in doubt, send us the chassis code and year and we will check it. Other parts for this car are in our hard parts and clutch section.
| Brand | ACT |
| Part number | NS3-HDSS |
| Fits | ACT HD/Perf Street Sprung Clutch Kit |
| Type | Clutch Kits - Single |
| Condition | New |
| Ships | Same business day (in stock), from the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
No. ACT lists it only for the rear-wheel-drive GTS-T (R32, RB20DET) and GTS-25T (R33, RB25DET) with the five-speed. The GT-R uses the RB26DETT and is not on the application list.
ACT rates it at 410 ft-lb at the crank, 45 percent over stock. That suits a stock or moderately boosted street RB20 or RB25; heavier builds should look at the six-pad NS3-HDG6 or the Xtreme NS3-XTG6.
ACT lists the N013 Heavy Duty pressure plate, the 3000405 Performance Street sprung disc and the AT01 alignment tool. No release bearing is listed, so buy one separately along with a pilot bearing.
Somewhat. ACT says to expect roughly 15 to 40 percent more pedal effort with its Heavy Duty plates, and describes this kit's feel as light to moderate.
At minimum have it resurfaced. If it is heat checked, cracked or already thin, replace it; a 12 lb steel RB20/RB25 flywheel is listed for these engines.
Yes. ACT recommends 300 to 500 miles of mild engagement, such as normal city driving, before launches or track use.
