I get this question a lot... "What clutch would you recommend?" So here are how i rank my clutch options. These recommendations are based on your HP goals. This is mainly tailored towards the JZ engine crowd but the same principals apply to other engines like the Honda K, Rotary and V8 LS and Coyote crowd. My opinions and ranking are not necessary from best to worst but more based on which clutch i think is all around the best using a horsepower and drivability matrix.
#1 Tilton ST246 and ST215 Organic (1000HP or less)
For anything under 1000HP the ST246 twin disc is the best clutch you will find. The ST215 is basically the same clutch just smaller diameter (rotary, 4 cylinders) with 800HP capability.
This clutch drives like stock, there is a reason I have this exact clutch in three of my personal cars. But why exactly... here are my reasons:
- Dual Sprung Organic discs for amazing drivability and quieter operation than most other twin discs!
- Smooth engagement and impressive power handling
- Very wide engagement range, easy to slip!
- Full Billet construction. No overseas stamped steel anything. Billet flywheel. Billet pressure plate. Heavy duty floater to fight warpage with heat.
- All made in the USA with highest quality materials
- Concentric design. No dowels, naturally balanced design and lathe turning process holds tolerances and balance better.
The ST246 is like a Mcleod (see below) but with higher HP capacity, sprung discs for quietness, AND billet construction. The small price difference is worth it for the quality and drivability! The discs in the ST246 organic are similar to the RST discs, but they are sprung! And the ST246 organic has more capacity than the RXT cerametallic clutch! It's hard to put into words just how good this clutch really is... I do not recommend this clutch for drag racing or drifting due to the organic discs, but for a street car with occasional racing this is the one!
Here is a video of the 2JZ ST246 organic in action.
#2 Tilton ST246 and ST215 "HD" Cerametallic (1000+HP cars)
The Tilton ST246 cerametallic or as i call it "HD" for "heavy duty" is basically the same exact clutch as the organic ST246 but with rigid, cerametallic discs. Rigid means no springs in the discs, so it is a direct connection from the engine to trans, without any dampening. So it comes with a bit more noise, but will hold up to BIG power. I have cars that have made 1500HP on this clutch. The torque capacity is 1200 ft lbs+, so crazy potential with this clutch. If your looking for the best driving, street clutch for a 1200HP or more setup, this is the one you want!
Here is a video of the 2JZ ST246 HD cerametallic in action.
#3 McLeod RST (500-700HP cars)
The Mcleod RST twin disc is great twin disc for lower power cars looking for a more budget friendly clutch. The RST has two rigid organic discs. Rigid means no springs in the discs, so it is a direct connection from the engine to trans, without any dampening. The clutch drives great, engages really nice and smooth, and is relatively quiet in overall operation. I recommend this to most guys who are looking to make 500-700HP range. Not recommended for drag racing or drift use.
#4 McLeod RXT (600-850HP cars)
The Mcleod RXT twin disc is one of the most popular clutches I sell because it works great and drives great for guys in the 600-900HP range. It is a swiss army knife type of clutch where it can be used for drifting, drag racing, and street. The RXT has two rigid cerametallic discs. The cerametallic discs are more agressive than organic discs, but they also hold up to heat better. These are rigid discs, so no springs, no dampening. The clutch drives great, engages really nice and smooth, and is relatively quiet in overall operation. You can get some engagement noise as it is a metal on metal friction type. I recommend this clutch for the guys who want a street-able clutch but also want to race on occasion.
#5 McLeod RXT 1200 (1000-1300HP cars)
The Mcleod RXT 1200 twin disc is basically the exact same as the RXT with just a higher clamping force pressure plate. It can hold more power but still is very streetable. I recommend this clutch for the guys who want a very high power capable yet street-able clutch but also want to race on occasion.
Written by Joel Grannas
