XClutch 00-03 Honda S2000 Base 2.0L Stage 2 Sprung Ceramic Clutch Kit

The XClutch XKHN21005-1B is a Stage 2 sprung ceramic clutch kit for the 2000-2003 Honda S2000 with the 2.0L F20C. It is built for owners whose clutch is slipping at the top of the rev range, cars with forced induction or regular track days, and anyone replacing a worn clutch who wants more clamp than stock without moving to a twin-disc assembly. XClutch lists the kit for track use, with a 55 percent clamp-force increase over stock and a torque capacity of 520 ft-lb including a safety factor.

What the clutch kit does in an S2000

The S2000 runs a single-disc dry clutch between the high-revving F20C and the six-speed manual. The pressure plate clamps the disc to the flywheel; a hydraulic slave cylinder works a release fork that pushes the release bearing into the diaphragm fingers. A pilot bearing in the end of the crankshaft supports the nose of the transmission input shaft. Because the F20C makes its power near its redline, a worn or overheated stock disc usually starts slipping on high-rpm upshifts long before it slips around town.

This kit uses an 8-3/8 inch ceramic disc with a sprung hub. Ceramic friction material handles heat well, which suits repeated hard launches and track sessions, while the springs in the hub soak up some of the shock of a fast engagement that a solid-hub puck disc would pass straight to the gearbox. XClutch lists the kit with a release bearing, pilot bearing and alignment tool in the box; the flywheel is not included.

Symptoms that point to the clutch

• Rpm jumping on a full-throttle upshift near redline without the car pulling harder
• Engagement point creeping toward the top of the pedal
• Burnt friction smell after an autocross run, track session or steep hill start
• Chatter on takeoff, or vibration through the pedal when engaging
• Squeal or growl that changes when the pedal is pressed, pointing at the release or pilot bearing
• Grinding into gears with the pedal on the floor, which can be poor release from air in the hydraulics or a worn slave

How to confirm before you buy

Do a road test in fourth gear from low rpm at full throttle: if the tachometer climbs while speed does not, the disc is slipping. Our slipping diagnosis guide explains the test, and symptoms shops often misdiagnose helps separate clutch noise from driveline and mount noise. Check the clutch fluid level and bleed the slave before condemning a clutch that does not release fully. If you see oil on the bellhousing, find and fix the leak during the job so it does not contaminate the new ceramic disc.

Fitment

This listing is for the 2000-2003 Honda S2000 with the 2.0L F20C engine. XClutch specifies an 8-3/8 inch disc on a 24-spline, 63/64 inch input shaft and a flywheel step of -0.067 inch. The 2004-2009 cars with the 2.2L F22C share the same basic layout, but XClutch lists this part number for the 2000-2003 2.0L, so send us your year and VIN before ordering for a later car. If you are replacing the flywheel, the ACT XACT Streetlite flywheel for the S2000 and the Competition Clutch 11.5 lb steel flywheel are listed for the car; confirm the step matches the XClutch spec before pairing brands. More options are in our rebuild kits category.

Install notes

• Pull the old pilot bearing with a slide-hammer puller such as the OTC 1172 and press in the new one supplied in the kit.
• Resurface or replace the flywheel. If it is machined, the step between the friction face and the pressure plate mounting face has to be kept at the specification or clamp load will change.
• Center the disc with the supplied alignment tool and torque the pressure plate bolts in a star pattern in stages.
• Inspect the release fork, pivot ball and slave cylinder. XClutch notes that worn forks, pivots and hydraulics affect pedal feel and long-term durability.
• Bleed the system with the brake fluid grade Honda lists for the car; XClutch advises DOT 3 or better for the street and DOT 4 or 5.1 for performance use, never mixed with DOT 5.
• Refill the gearbox with Honda manual transmission fluid if it was drained.
• Bed the clutch in with about 1,000 km (roughly 600 miles) of gentle driving and low-rpm engagements, as XClutch recommends.

Does the XKHN21005-1B include bearings?

Yes. XClutch lists a release bearing, pilot bearing and alignment tool in the kit. The flywheel is not included.

Will it fit my 2004-2009 S2000?

This part number is listed for the 2000-2003 S2000 2.0L. The later 2.2L cars are similar, but send us your year and VIN so we can confirm before you order.

How much torque does it hold?

XClutch rates the kit at 520 ft-lb including a safety factor, with a 55 percent clamp-force increase over stock.

Is a ceramic clutch OK on the street?

XClutch lists this kit for track use. The sprung hub makes engagement smoother than a solid puck disc, but expect more grab and some extra noise and vibration compared with an organic disc.

Do I need to resurface the flywheel?

Yes, resurface or replace it. Keep the flywheel step at the correct specification; XClutch lists -0.067 inch for this kit.

How do I break in the clutch?

Drive gently for about the first 1,000 km and avoid aggressive launches. Low-rpm engagements bed the friction material into the flywheel best.

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