An automotive clutch mechanism is a relatively simple concept. A friction disc bridges the connection between the engine’s flywheel and the rest of the vehicle’s drivetrain. With the press of the pedal, that connection can be paused to idle in traffic or send a different gear ratio to the wheels.

But if it’s this simple, then why are some clutch kits better than others? A cheap, low-quality clutch kit can fail in a myriad of spectacular ways. That friction disc’s build quality could separate a spirited drive from waiting on a tow. The flywheel itself could crack and come apart at 7,200 rpm, shooting metal shrapnel through the sheet metal under your seat. Okay, that last example is a worst-case scenario, but a clear picture of why quality matters.

SIMPLICITY IS KEY

The point is, it’s unwise to cheap out on a clutch kit. At the opposite end of the spectrum, it’s easy to go overboard with a big dollar, high-performance kit that can be hard to live with. While the thought of a six-puck friction disc might be tempting, these systems are best left for fully uncompromising performance machines. Stiff pressure plates, chattering discs, and aggressive engagement aren’t for everyone, especially on a daily commute. We’re all about performance modifications and upgrades at Turn 14, but sometimes the stock drivetrain just works, except when a worn clutch is all that’s keeping the rubber from the road. That’s how Marketing Coordinator Ben Wright feels about his 2002 Mazda Miata.

Ben’s roadster is modified to be a dependable joyrider. With BILSTEIN x Eibach coilovers, a Koyorad aluminum radiator, and EBC Yellowstuff pads, it’s delivered unmatched smiles per gallon for years. When XClutch debuted its ClutchPro line of standard replacement clutch kits, Ben and his Miata were the ideal test subjects for the KMZ22015 kit.

MEET XCLUTCH

XClutch is somewhat of a new kid on the block in the U.S. market. However, the company’s roots are well-established down under. XClutch is a division of Australian Clutch Services (ACS) which has been designing and manufacturing clutches for the Australian market for over 30 years. Now through XClutch, they are finally sharing that expertise with stateside enthusiasts. 

XClutch offers a full lineup of high-performance clutch kits for modified street and track cars, while its ClutchPro range is designed to meet OE-quality standards for unmodified vehicles. These kits include everything needed for a smooth and reliable install. Think of XClutch as the go-to for your weekend racecar, and ClutchPro as the dependable solution that keeps your daily driver getting you to the job that funds it.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

Let’s take a step back to explore what sets a good clutch kit apart from a lesser option. This ClutchPro kit is already a step above the other options with the inclusion of supporting parts. XClutch includes everything to get a vehicle with a worn, slipping clutch back on the road. Of course, an all-new, sprung clutch disc is at the center of this kit. The organic friction material ensures smooth clutch engagement, and is paired with a mild, application-specific pressure plate to ensure a solid engagement with the driveline. The pressure plate delivers a linear pedal action, and in this Miata, it made the clutch action lighter. 

Throw-out bearings can take a beating after a couple-thousand gear changes, and the unit in this NB is no exception. Before disassembly, this Miata was experiencing a rattle at idle that would go silent when depressing the clutch pedal, the tell-tale sign of a tired release bearing. When the car was disassembled at R/T Tuning, the technician found not only that the throw-out bearing was in dire need of replacement, but also that the pilot bearing had been only partially installed and was hanging on for dear life! 

Fortunately, XClutch includes fresh throw-out and pilot bearings in their kits. And an added note for Miata owners concerned about aftermarket bearings: this pilot bearing isn’t some cheap third-party unit; it has an Australian Clutch Services part number stamped on the outer/inner race, indicating OE-level quality.

A flywheel is not included, and that’s by design. As a factory-style replacement, this kit is meant to be paired with the original unit. In most cases, experienced installers can simply resurface the existing flywheel if needed, helping to keep the overall cost of the kit down.. 

For this installation, Ben took the opportunity to upgrade his driving experience with XClutch’s mild Chromoly Flywheel (XFMZ002C), designed specifically for factory-spec clutches. The new unit weighs in at just 13 pounds, shedding upwards of 5 pounds of rotating mass without diminishing the streetability of his NB Miata. This lighter unit spins up quicker to nail those rev-matched downshifts.   

A FACTORY FRESH FEELING

XClutch’s ClutchPro kit delivers the longevity and ease of use Ben requires for his NB Mazda Miata, making it the perfect fit for his build. The lighter clutch pedal and smooth, tactile engagement make this driver’s car a dream again. Spirited jaunts on backroads are just as engaging and less aggressive without the need to stomp the left pedal. Stop-and-go drives across town to pick up what few groceries fit in the trunk are less fatiguing, making this the ideal option for enthusiasts aiming to retain the Miata’s pure driving experience.

As for the added benefits of the chromoly flywheel, the most notable impact is how much quicker downshifts are, thanks to the happier revs. Ben also thinks a few more horsepower are making it to the wheels, but that could be his poorly calibrated butt dyno. The real test will be his annual trip to the Tail of the Dragon for Miatas at the Gap.

Huge thanks to XClutch and R/T Tuning for helping bring this Miata transformation to life. The ClutchPro kit delivers outstanding value—and the result is a better-performing car and a much happier driver behind the wheel.