Exedy Clutch Kits

Exedy's reputation in the enthusiast community comes from one consistent thing: their clutches last. Forum owners on Honda, Acura, Subaru, and Mazda platforms routinely report 40,000 to 80,000 miles on Exedy Stage 1 clutches with normal driving, and their OEM replacement kits are the same components supplied to the factory assembly line. When you install an Exedy OEM replacement clutch on a Japanese-platform car, in many cases you are literally reinstalling the same manufacturer's clutch that came in the car from the factory.

Every Exedy clutch kit includes a pressure plate, friction disc, and release bearing for a complete installation. Most kits also include an alignment tool. No modifications are required to install Exedy Stage 1 or Stage 2 kits -- they use factory mounting points and work with the OEM flywheel unless stated otherwise in the product listing.

Exedy OEM Replacement vs Stage 1 vs Stage 2: Which Should You Buy?

OEM Replacement
The Exedy OEM replacement clutch is built to the exact specifications of the original factory clutch. It provides factory pedal feel, smooth engagement, and long service life, making it the right choice for stock or lightly modified vehicles that simply need a worn clutch replaced. If your car is unmodified and you want it to drive exactly as it did from the factory, this is the clutch.

• Factory specifications and pedal feel
• Smooth engagement, identical to OEM
• Ideal for stock or lightly modified vehicles
• No pedal effort increase over factory
• Best for: OEM replacement on stock vehicles, daily drivers with no power modifications

Stage 1 Organic
The Stage 1 is Exedy's entry performance clutch. It uses an organic friction disc with a higher clamp load pressure plate than OEM, increasing torque capacity while maintaining a pedal feel that is close to stock. The Stage 1 is widely regarded in the enthusiast community as one of the most streetable performance clutches available -- firm enough to hold power from mild bolt-on modifications without being aggressive or difficult to drive in traffic. Owner reviews on Honda, Acura, and Subaru platforms consistently cite 40,000 to 80,000+ mile lifespans. Pedal effort increases approximately 20 to 35% over stock depending on application.

• Organic friction disc with higher clamp load pressure plate
• Increased torque capacity over OEM
• Pedal feel close to stock, 20 to 35% firmer than factory
• Works with OEM flywheel on most applications
• Best for: mild bolt-on builds, daily drivers upgrading from OEM, up to approximately 300 wheel horsepower on most platforms

Stage 2 Cerametallic
The Stage 2 uses a cerametallic friction disc, which has significantly higher heat resistance and holding capacity than organic material. It is designed for vehicles with more aggressive power levels or frequent track use. The tradeoff is a more aggressive engagement feel and a firmer pedal. A screeching noise during initial engagement is normal during the break-in period with the Stage 2 -- it is caused by the high metal compound in the friction material and typically resolves after the break-in period is complete. The Stage 2 is not recommended as a daily-driver clutch on completely stock vehicles, as the aggressive engagement can make low-speed driving and parking lot maneuvering more difficult.

• Cerametallic friction disc for higher heat resistance and torque capacity
• More aggressive engagement feel than Stage 1
• Normal break-in screeching noise during initial use
• Works with OEM flywheel on most applications
• Best for: modified vehicles making more power, occasional track use, drivers comfortable with a more aggressive clutch feel

Frequently asked questions

Is Exedy a good clutch brand?
Yes, consistently. Exedy is Japan's largest OEM clutch manufacturer and has been supplying factory clutches to Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Nissan, Mazda, and other Japanese manufacturers since 1923. Their OEM replacement clutches are the same manufacturer's product that came in your car from the factory on many platforms. Owner reviews across Honda, Acura, Subaru, and Mazda forums consistently rate Exedy as one of the most reliable and longest-lasting clutch brands at their price point.

How long does an Exedy clutch last?
Exedy OEM replacement clutches typically last as long as the original factory clutch -- 60,000 to 100,000+ miles with normal driving. Exedy Stage 1 clutches regularly see 40,000 to 80,000+ miles in owner reports from enthusiast forums, including on cars driven hard on the street. Clutch longevity is heavily dependent on driving habits -- aggressive launches, riding the clutch, and frequent hard shifting will shorten clutch life on any brand.

Does an Exedy Stage 1 or Stage 2 clutch increase pedal effort?
Yes. Exedy performance clutch kits use a higher clamp load pressure plate to increase torque capacity, which requires more pedal effort to disengage. Exedy states that typical pedal effort increases 20 to 35% depending on the application. Most drivers adapt within a few days. The Stage 2 has a higher clamp load than the Stage 1, so it requires more pedal effort.

Does the Exedy Stage 2 make noise?
A screeching noise during engagement is normal during the break-in period for the Exedy Stage 2. This is caused by the high metal compound in the cerametallic friction disc and typically resolves after the clutch is fully broken in. Exedy acknowledges this as a known characteristic of the Stage 2 disc material in their official FAQ.

What is the difference between Exedy OEM, Stage 1, and Stage 2?
The OEM replacement is built to factory specifications for stock vehicles. The Stage 1 uses an organic disc with a higher clamp load for increased torque capacity while maintaining near-stock pedal feel -- suitable for mild bolt-on builds. The Stage 2 uses a cerametallic disc for significantly higher torque capacity and heat resistance, suited to more aggressive builds and track use, with a firmer pedal and more aggressive engagement.

What vehicles does Exedy make clutches for?
Exedy makes clutch kits for a wide range of Japanese and domestic vehicles including Subaru WRX, Subaru STI, Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Acura RSX, Acura Integra, Nissan 240SX, Nissan 350Z, Mazda Miata, Mazda RX-8, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Toyota Supra, and many more. Use the fitment selector to confirm availability for your specific year and model.