Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Clutch Upgrade Guide
The Lancer Evolution makes its power through a small turbo and an all-wheel-drive gearbox, and the clutch is one of the first parts to tell you when a tune has gone too far. Slipping in third or fourth on the boost curve, a burnt smell after a few pulls, or a pedal that grabs high are the usual signs. This guide covers how the main upgrade levels differ, how to pick between them, and what else to do while the transmission is out.
Shop the Clutch Kits for Your Evo
These Evo clutch kits are in stock. Always check the model years in the title (the Evo 7/8/9 and the Evo X use different parts):
- Competition Clutch OE Stock Clutch Kit, 08-13 Lancer Evo X (5153-STOCK) - stock-style replacement.
- Exedy 2008-2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR Stage 1 Organic Clutch (05803A) - street and light track.
- Exedy 2008-2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR Stage 2 Cerametallic Clutch, Thick Disc (05952A) - higher power.
- Competition Clutch 03-06 Lancer Evo 7/8/9 Stage 2 Steelback Brass Plus Clutch Kit (5152-2100) - aggressive street.
- Competition Clutch 03-06 Lancer Evo 7/8/9 Stage 3 Segmented Ceramic Clutch Kit (5152-2600) - street and strip.
- Competition Clutch 2008-2010 Lancer Evo 10 Stage 2 Steelback Brass Plus Clutch Kit (5153-2100) - Stage 2 for the Evo X.
Browse the full clutch kits collection, and see flywheels if you plan to replace yours.
Signs the Evo Clutch Is Finished
- Revs rise under boost without matching acceleration.
- A burning smell after repeated hard pulls.
- A high or inconsistent engagement point.
- Shudder from a glazed disc or a heat-marked flywheel.
What Each Upgrade Level Means
- OE-style replacement: Competition Clutch describes its OE-style kits as the economical choice for stock vehicles or basic bolt-ons, engineered to match original torque capacity with a factory pedal feel.
- Stage 1 organic: Exedy says its Stage 1 uses premium friction material resistant to slippage and burst, with increased clamp loads for modified engines; it is billed as ideal for street and light-horsepower track use, with drivability similar to stock and slightly higher pedal effort. See Kamispeed's Exedy Stage 1 listing for the Evo X.
- Stage 2 cerametallic: for the 2003-2006 Evo 8/9 (4G63T), a retailer listing for the Exedy Stage 2 kit gives a 460 ft-lb wheel torque capacity and describes the disc as cerametallic and heat resistant, built for heavily modified cars where organic material has reached its limit. It is a disc and pressure plate only, with no flywheel in the box. Exedy's own copy says the thick disc offers better heat capacity and that its three- and four-puck designs typically have less inertia than a stock disc.
- ACT street kit for the Evo 7/8/9: LancerShop's listing gives a 497 ft-lb rating and says the pedal stays close to stock, if a little stiffer, with a heavy-duty pressure plate and street disc. The same listing notes you must resurface the stock flywheel or buy an aftermarket one when you replace the clutch.
- Competition Clutch Stage 2: described as up to an 80% torque capacity increase over stock, suited to aggressive street and moderate track use, with a Brass Plus friction material for smooth engagement. Stage 3 (segmented ceramic) is listed at up to 150% over stock for street and strip, and Stage 4 at up to 250% for drag racing.
Match the Clutch to Your Build
- Stock or bolt-ons, daily driven: an OE-style kit or Exedy Stage 1.
- Tuned Evo on pump gas or E85, some track: Stage 2, either Exedy cerametallic or Competition Clutch Brass Plus. Expect more pedal effort than stock.
- Drag or very high power: Stage 3 or 4 ceramic, or one of the twin-disc kits in our clutch collection, accepting that engagement is harsher and these are not made for easy commuting.
Whichever level you choose, leave margin above your dyno torque figure so the clutch is not working at its limit the day it is installed.
Check Release Type and Flywheel
Some Evo twin-disc listings in our store specify a push or pull type release and note a flywheel requirement in the title, so read the title closely. For single-disc kits, resurface or replace the flywheel; if you want to replace it, see the Competition Clutch 2001-2006 Evo steel flywheel or the 2008-2010 Evo 11 lb steel flywheel. A lighter flywheel revs faster but changes the character of the car. Our guide on when to replace the flywheel during a clutch job explains the decision.
Replace While the Transmission Is Out
- Release bearing and pilot bearing (in most kits where applicable).
- Rear main seal and transmission input seal if they weep.
- Clutch hydraulics if the pedal is soft: clutch hydraulics.
Cost and Effort
This is a transmission-out job on an all-wheel-drive car, so there is more to disconnect than on a rear-drive car. Plan on a full day or more with a transmission jack, and do the seals and flywheel in the same session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exedy Stage 1 enough for a tuned Evo?
Exedy describes Stage 1 as ideal for street and light-horsepower track use. If you are running well beyond stock power or tracking regularly, Stage 2 offers more capacity, at the cost of pedal effort.
Do I need a new flywheel with an Evo clutch?
Resurface or replace it. The Exedy Stage 2 kit for the Evo 8/9 does not include a flywheel.
Are Evo 7/8/9 and Evo X clutches interchangeable?
No. They are separate applications, and the listing titles show which years each kit covers.