Competition Clutch 2005-2010 Scion TC Stage 2 - Steelback Brass Plus Clutch Kit

First-generation Scion tC owners usually come shopping for a clutch for one of two reasons: the original has worn out after years of commuting, or an intake, header and tune have pushed the 2.4L past what the stock disc wants to hold. Competition Clutch 16108-2100 is a Stage 2 kit for the 2005-2010 tC that adds holding power while staying friendly enough for daily traffic.

What the Stage 2 clutch kit does in a Scion tC

The tC sends its 2.4L four-cylinder torque through a single dry disc, clamped by a diaphragm pressure plate and released through a hydraulic slave, fork and throwout bearing. A Stage 2 kit raises clamp load with a performance pressure plate and uses a full-face disc, so engagement stays progressive instead of grabby. Competition Clutch's spec table lists the disc as organic full-face, and its Stage 2 family description calls the material Brass Plus on an alloy backing. The maker's product copy quotes a 40 to 50 percent gain in torque capacity with a slightly firmer pedal. That makes it a good fit for a bolt-on tC, an autocross car or a driver who simply wants a stronger clutch than stock, without the chatter of a puck disc.

Symptoms of a worn tC clutch

• Revs flare in fourth or fifth under full throttle with no added acceleration
• Engagement point near the very top of the pedal
• Shudder pulling away from a stop, especially uphill or loaded
• Squeal or rumble when the pedal is pressed, typical of a tired throwout bearing
• Hard to get into first or reverse with the engine running
• Burnt clutch smell after a hill start

How to confirm before you buy

A full-throttle pull in fourth from low rpm is the simplest slip test: if the tach rises faster than road speed, the disc is done. Before committing to the labor, check the clutch fluid level, bleed the slave if the pedal is soft, and look for oil weeping from the rear main seal. Our slipping diagnosis guide covers separating slip from other faults, and clutch engages high or low explains what the pedal height is telling you.

Fitment

Our listing covers the 2005-2010 Scion tC. Competition Clutch lists 16108-2100 for the 2005-2010 tC, the 2008-2015 Scion xB and the 2009-2013 Toyota Matrix with the 2.4L engine. The second-generation 2011 and later tC uses a 2.5L engine and six-speed with a different clutch, and the 1.8L Matrix is not covered. If your car has had its transmission or flywheel replaced, or you are not sure which engine it has, send us the year and VIN before ordering. You can also compare the FX200 kit for the 2005-2007 tC or browse the rebuild kits page.

Install notes

• In the box per Competition Clutch: performance pressure plate, Stage 2 disc, throwout bearing, pilot bushing where applicable and an alignment tool. No flywheel is included.
• The maker requires the flywheel to be resurfaced or replaced for warranty. The 2-725-ST steel flywheel is listed for the 2005-2010 tC and is the clean choice if the stock one is heat-checked.
• Clean the friction surfaces of the protective oil, use only a light film of high melting point grease on the input splines, and center the disc with the supplied tool.
• Tighten the cover bolts in a cross pattern by hand, not with an impact gun, and inspect the release fork and pivot for wear while you are there.
• Bleed the clutch hydraulics with fresh fluid, then shift as often as possible for the first 500 miles to bed in the disc. Our clutch bleeding guide covers a soft pedal afterward.

Does 16108-2100 fit the 2011 and later tC?

No. Competition Clutch lists it for the 2005-2010 tC, 2008-2015 xB and 2009-2013 Matrix 2.4L. The 2011 and later tC uses a 2.5L engine and six-speed with a different clutch.

Is a Stage 2 clutch OK for daily driving?

Yes. It uses a full-face disc rather than pucks, so engagement stays smooth. Expect a slightly firmer pedal than stock.

How much more torque does it hold than stock?

The maker's product copy quotes a 40 to 50 percent increase in torque capacity, while its Stage 2 family description says up to 80 percent. Plan around the lower figure.

Does it include a flywheel?

No. You get the pressure plate, disc, throwout bearing, pilot bushing where applicable and an alignment tool. Resurface or replace the flywheel at install.

What fluid does the tC clutch use?

The tC clutch is hydraulic and runs on brake fluid. Use the fluid type printed on the reservoir cap or in your owner manual, and bleed the slave after the install.

Is there a break-in period?

Yes. Competition Clutch says to shift as often as possible for the first 500 miles so the disc beds into the flywheel and pressure plate.

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