Competition Clutch 2008-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10 Stage 4 - 6 Pad Ceramic Clutch Kit

The Competition Clutch 5153-1620 is the Stage 4 clutch kit for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X with the 4B11T 2.0L turbo and five-speed manual gearbox. This is the kit for an Evo X that has outgrown street clutches: a big-turbo or heavily tuned GSR that slips through any organic disc, a drag car that needs hard launches to stick, or a build that keeps glazing a Stage 2 or Stage 3. It is a single-disc kit with a six-pad ceramic disc, so it is aggressive by design.

What the Stage 4 kit does in an Evo X

The Evo X GSR uses a pull-type clutch, where the release bearing pulls the diaphragm fingers rearward, and Competition Clutch builds the 5153-1620 for that pull-style setup. The Stage 4 Strip Series combines a performance pressure plate with a six-pad (six-puck) sprung disc carrying ceramic buttons. The maker rates it at up to 250 percent more torque capacity than stock and says the pressure plate and disc step up from the 230 mm size to 250 mm, so there is more friction area working against the flywheel. Because each ceramic button has a small contact patch and very high friction, engagement is close to on-off, which is exactly what a launch-heavy car needs and exactly what a commuter does not. The kit includes the pressure plate, six-pad disc, throwout bearing, pilot bushing and alignment tool.

Symptoms that call for a Stage 4

• A Stage 2 or Stage 3 disc that keeps slipping at peak boost after a power upgrade
• RPM flaring on launches or on the 2-3 shift at the drag strip
• Burnt friction smell and a glazed, discolored flywheel at the last clutch change
• Chatter or judder on takeoff once the old disc has been overheated
• Release bearing noise that changes when you press the pedal

How to confirm before you buy

On a modified Evo X, rule out the easy causes first. Log a full-throttle run in third and fourth and compare engine speed to wheel speed: true slip shows RPM rising faster than road speed, while a boost leak or timing pulled by knock control only makes the car slower. Check that the clutch fluid is full and clean and that the pedal returns fully, since a dragging or partly released clutch can mimic wear. If you are unsure whether you are feeling slip or a different driveline fault, our slipping diagnosis guide and the flare vs. slip guide cover how each one shows up. Be honest about use, too: if the car is mostly driven on the street, the Stage 3 segmented ceramic kit will be far easier to live with.

Fitment

Our listing is titled for the 2008-2010 Lancer Evolution X. Competition Clutch lists the 5153-1620 for the 2008-2015 Lancer Evo 2.0L five-speed with the pull-style clutch, which is the GSR manual car. It does not fit the Evo X MR, which uses the twin-clutch automated SST gearbox and has no clutch pedal. Imported or swapped cars should be checked before ordering, so send us your year and VIN if anything about the drivetrain is non-stock. The maker's description says a billet flywheel is included where applicable, but its specification table for this part number lists the flywheel as not included, so plan on supplying one. More Evo X parts are in the rebuild kits category.

Install notes

• Install a new or resurfaced flywheel and a new pilot bearing or bushing, which Competition Clutch's install sheet requires. The 2-645-1STU 11 lb steel flywheel is listed for the 2008-2010 Evo X.
• Clean the protective coating off the friction faces of the flywheel and pressure plate only, using a cleaner that leaves no residue.
• Apply the thinnest possible film of grease to the input splines; Competition Clutch warns that too much grease can damage the disc and void the warranty.
• Orient the six-pad disc as marked, center it with the alignment tool and tighten the cover bolts by hand in a crisscross pattern.
• Do not let the gearbox hang on the input shaft during installation, then bleed the hydraulics with the brake fluid grade shown on the reservoir.
• Shift frequently through the first 500 miles of break-in before the first hard launch.

Will this fit my Evo X MR?

No. The MR uses the twin-clutch SST automated gearbox, which has no conventional clutch. The 5153-1620 is for the GSR with the five-speed manual and pull-style clutch.

Our listing says 2008-2010. Does it fit later Evo X GSRs?

Competition Clutch lists this part number for 2008-2015 Lancer Evo 2.0L five-speed cars. Our listing is titled 2008-2010, so if your car is a later GSR, send us your VIN and we will confirm before you order.

Is a Stage 4 six-pad clutch OK on the street?

It works, but it is built for high-horsepower and drag use. The six-pad ceramic disc engages abruptly, makes slow parking-lot maneuvers harder and can chatter. For a mostly street car, the Stage 3 segmented ceramic kit is the better choice.

Is the flywheel included?

Plan on no. The maker's specification table lists the flywheel as not included. Budget for a resurfaced stock flywheel or a new one such as the 2-645-1STU steel flywheel.

How much torque will it hold?

Competition Clutch rates the Stage 4 Strip Series at up to 250 percent more torque capacity than stock. It does not publish a specific ft-lb figure for this part number.

What comes in the box?

Pressure plate, six-pad ceramic disc, throwout bearing, pilot bushing and an alignment tool.

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