Clutch Masters 2016 Ford Focus RS 2.3L Turbo AWD FX400 Clutch Kit Rigid Disc

Clutch Masters 07230-HDBL-R is a high-capacity clutch for the Ford Focus RS with the 2.3L EcoBoost, all-wheel drive and six-speed manual, listed here for the 2016 model year. It is aimed at the RS owner running a stage 2 or bigger tune who now feels slip in the higher gears when boost peaks, and who wants to keep the factory flywheel instead of converting to a single-mass unit.

What the FX400 rigid-disc kit does in a Focus RS

The FX400 line pairs a Clutch Masters Power Plus I hi-leverage heavy-duty pressure plate with a ceramic disc, and Clutch Masters rates the system at a 170 percent increase in holding capacity over stock. On a Focus RS that extra clamp and friction matters because the 2.3L picks up torque quickly with boost and sends it through the six-speed and the AWD driveline at once.

The -R at the end of the part number is the key to this kit. Clutch Masters builds its Focus RS kits in two disc styles: -R kits use a rigid disc designed to work with the OEM flywheel, and -D kits use a dampened disc designed for an aftermarket single-mass flywheel. The factory RS flywheel is a dual-mass unit with its own internal springs to absorb driveline shock, so it can run a rigid disc with no springs in the hub. A rigid disc is also lighter and more compact than a sprung one. The catch is that this disc must stay with the stock flywheel; it is the wrong choice if you are switching to a lightweight flywheel.

Symptoms this kit addresses

• Rpm flare in fourth, fifth or sixth at full boost while speed does not follow
• Slip that began after a tune, intake, downpipe or larger intercooler
• A clutch that holds when cold but slips after repeated hard pulls
• Burnt friction smell after launches or track sessions
• Engagement point rising toward the top of the pedal

How to confirm before buying

A sixth-gear roll-on from around 2,500 rpm shows slip quickly. If the tach climbs but the car does not pull harder, the disc is slipping. Before pulling the transmission, check the clutch fluid level, make sure the pedal returns fully, and look for oil at the bellhousing seam from the rear main seal. On an AWD car, confirm any new driveline noise is not coming from the rear drive unit. Our slipping diagnosis guide walks through the test, and the manual versus automatic repair cost guide helps you budget labor.

Inspect the dual-mass flywheel when the transmission is out. Rattle at idle, excessive free play or a cracked friction face means it should be replaced, since this rigid disc depends on the flywheel's springs for damping.

Fitment

Our listing names the 2016 Ford Focus RS 2.3L turbo AWD. Clutch Masters lists its 07230 Focus RS kits for the 2016-2018 Focus RS 2.3L turbo AWD six-speed. This kit does not fit the front-drive Focus ST. Because Clutch Masters sells several 07230 versions, match the full part number and suffix to your flywheel plan, or send us the year and VIN and we will confirm. More options are in our rebuild kits and clutch department.

Install notes

• Keep the OEM dual-mass flywheel, in good condition, with this rigid disc. If you want a lighter setup, the Clutch Masters FW-230-SF steel flywheel needs a -D dampened-disc kit instead.
• Clean the flywheel face with a residue-free solvent before installing the new disc.
• Center the disc with the supplied alignment tool, then pull the pressure plate down evenly in a star pattern to Ford's torque spec.
• Bleed the clutch hydraulics with the fluid Ford specifies for the car.
• Clutch Masters requires at least 500 miles of normal stop-and-go driving, with no full-throttle shifts, before hard use.
• For a stock or lightly tuned RS that does not need FX400 capacity, the FX250 rigid-disc kit 07230-HD0F is the softer option for the same flywheel.

Can I use this kit with an aftermarket single-mass flywheel?

No. Clutch Masters designs its -R Focus RS kits with a rigid disc for the OEM dual-mass flywheel. If you are switching to a single-mass flywheel, choose a -D kit with a dampened disc.

Which Focus RS years does it fit?

Our listing names 2016. Clutch Masters lists its 07230 Focus RS kits for the 2016-2018 Focus RS 2.3L turbo AWD six-speed. It does not fit the Focus ST.

How much more will it hold than stock?

Clutch Masters rates the FX400 system at a 170 percent increase in holding capacity over the factory clutch.

Should I replace my dual-mass flywheel at the same time?

Replace it if it rattles at idle, has excessive free play or a damaged face. This rigid disc relies on the flywheel's springs for damping, so the flywheel must be healthy.

Is there a break-in period?

Yes. Clutch Masters requires at least 500 miles of normal stop-and-go driving before full-throttle shifts or launches.

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