Spec 06-10 Subaru WRX/07-10 Legacy GT (including Spec B) Stage 2 Clutch Kit

The SPEC SU202 is a Stage 2 clutch kit for the 2006-2010 Subaru WRX and 2007-2010 Legacy GT, the EJ255 turbo cars that are famous for slipping their factory clutch the moment a tune, downpipe or larger turbo goes on. SPEC rates the SU202 at 375 ft-lb of torque, and its Kevlar disc is built for owners who want more holding power without giving up a clutch that is pleasant to drive every day.

What this clutch kit does in a WRX or Legacy GT

On these cars the clutch sits between the boxer engine and the five-speed transaxle, and it has to carry full turbo torque into a gearbox that also drives all four wheels, so slip shows up quickly once boost is raised. SPEC describes its Stage 2 disc as Kevlar with steel backing, chosen for drivability, long life and higher torque capacity than stock. Kevlar engages progressively and tolerates daily traffic well, which is why Stage 2 is the usual step for a street-driven tuned WRX. If your goal is more aggressive engagement for drag launches, the six-puck SPEC SU203 Stage 3 kit for the same cars is rated at 445 ft-lb.

Symptoms that point to a new clutch

• RPM flare without matching acceleration in third and fourth when boost comes in
• Slip that started right after a tune or turbo upgrade
• Chatter or judder on takeoff, especially pulling away on an incline
• A burning smell after launches or a long uphill climb
• Noise when the pedal is pressed, which usually means a worn release bearing
• Grinding or reluctance to go into gear, which is often a hydraulic or pedal adjustment issue before it is a disc problem

How to confirm before you buy

Do a fourth-gear pull from about 2,500 rpm and watch whether engine speed rises faster than road speed as boost builds. If it does, the disc is slipping. A spongy or sinking pedal, or a clutch that will not fully release, points to the hydraulics instead, so bleed the system and inspect the slave cylinder first. Our slipping diagnosis guide walks through the load test, and the flare vs. slip guide explains the difference between slip and RPM hang on the shift.

Fitment

The listing is for the 2006-2010 Subaru WRX (non-STI, five-speed, 2.5 L turbo) and the 2007-2010 Legacy GT. SPEC's own application chart for SU202 also lists the 2006-2012 Forester 2.5 turbo, the 2007-2012 Outback XT and the 2006 Baja Turbo, all EJ255 five-speed cars. The title mentions the Legacy GT Spec B, which shipped with a six-speed gearbox, so Spec B owners should confirm disc spline and diameter against the old clutch or send us year and VIN before ordering. The WRX STI is not covered by this kit.

Install notes

• Resurface or replace the flywheel so the new disc beds against a flat, clean face. A lighter option is the Competition Clutch lightweight steel flywheel for the 2006-2016 WRX.
• Replace the pilot bearing in the crankshaft while you are in there; a slide-hammer puller makes it a quick job.
• Center the disc with an alignment tool, then torque the pressure plate bolts gradually in a star pattern to the Subaru specification.
• Bleed the clutch hydraulics with fresh brake fluid of the grade on the reservoir cap and check the pedal free play after installation.
• Give the Kevlar disc a gentle break-in of several hundred miles before hard launches so the friction surfaces bed in evenly.

How much torque does the SPEC SU202 hold?

SPEC lists the SU202 at 375 ft-lb of torque capacity, with a kit weight of 17 lb.

What is the difference between SU202 and SU203?

SU202 is SPEC's Stage 2 kit with a Kevlar disc for smooth street engagement. SU203 is Stage 3 with a carbon semi-metallic six-puck disc and is rated at 445 ft-lb, with a more aggressive bite.

Does it fit my Forester XT or Outback XT?

SPEC's chart lists the 2006-2012 Forester 2.5 turbo, 2007-2012 Outback XT and 2006 Baja Turbo in addition to the WRX and Legacy GT. Send us your year and VIN and we will confirm.

Will it fit a Legacy GT Spec B?

The listing title includes the Spec B, but that car used a six-speed transmission. Compare the disc spline and diameter with your old clutch or send us year and VIN before ordering.

Does it fit a WRX STI?

No. The STI uses a different clutch and six-speed transmission. This kit is for the non-STI 2.5 L turbo five-speed cars.

What else should I replace during the clutch job?

Resurface or replace the flywheel, fit a new pilot bearing and bleed the clutch hydraulics with fresh brake fluid.

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