FX Clutch Reviews, Prices, Manufacturers, And Main Features

Are you thinking of purchasing an FX clutch kit? Which FX clutch brand should you get for your vehicle? The review below highlights different types of FX clutches, their prices, manufacturer, and specifications. 

We’ll talk about:

• Clutch Masters FX series clutches;
• Sachs-FX clutches;
• FX Racing clutches.

Clutch Masters FX Series 

The Clutch Masters (CM) produce clutches that comfortably handle high torque, give a smooth drive, and are long-lasting. CM uses organic, Kevlar, ceramic, and formula button on their clutch discs. These materials give CM clutches a longer life expectancy and increased holding power than an OEM clutch. 

CM FX series range from FX100 to FX500. The holding power and application progress as you move from FX100 to FX500. 

The FX100 to FX350 clutches are street-friendly and give a smooth engagement. 

All the CM FX clutches use a Hi-Leverage™ heavy-duty pressure plate and require a CM flywheel. CM reconfigured the FX series pressure plate by moving the pressure ring closer to the pivot, thus increasing the clamping force.

All the CM FX100 to FX500 clutch kits come with 

• A Pressure plate
• A Clutch disc 
• An alignment tool 
• A throw-out bearing
• A Pilot bearing 

The CM clutch kits cost $425-$1830. The price fluctuates depending on the dealer and the contents of the clutch kit.

FX100 Clutch 

The FX100 has 70% more holding capacity than stock. It has a stock-like pedal feel and engagement. However, the pedal will feel stiffer during the first few rides.  You have to use a CM flywheel for more balance and less chatter. The clutch suits daily driving use or an environment that requires smooth engagement and additional strength. 

FX200 Clutch 

The FX200 clutch disc has a Kevlar material that makes the clutch low wear. It lasts three times longer than a stock clutch. The clutch has 70% more holding power over a stock clutch and works better under extreme conditions than FX100. However, it exhibits a slight increase in pedal pressure when put side to side with a stock. You will use more leg muscle to push the pedal. Overall, it works best in sport street, light tracks, or autocross environments. 

FX250 Clutch

The FX250 clutch has a combination of organic and formula friction material. The combo gives the clutch 110% more holding capacity and a soft engagement. The engagement may seem high and hard during the break-in period. After the break-in period, the clutch will be smooth. If you are an aggressive driver but still desire a smooth engagement, then FX250 will suit your needs. 

FX300 Clutch 

The segmented Kevlar disc gives the clutch 110% more holding capacity. Just like the FX200 and FX250, the pressure plate allows reduced pedal efforts and has an extra retention strap and rivets. Since the segmented Kevlar disc allows more grip, CM created the clutch with aggressive drivers in mind. It has a slightly poor engagement compared to organic clutches, thus not good for street use. 

FX350 Clutch 

The FX350 clutch disc has fiber tuff material. The friction formula on the disc gives the clutch 110% more holding capacity and a powerful grip. The clutch is slightly more aggressive than the FX300 but gives a smoother engagement and is lighter on the leg than the FX300 clutch, hence a suitable alternative for limited street use. 

FX400 (6-puck) and FX400 (8-puck) Clutch 

The FX400 clutch has a ceramic friction material that gives the clutch 170% more holding power, quick engagement, and a powerful grip.  The FX400 is an SFI approved racing clutch. The FX400 clutch is available in 6 or 8 ceramic puck configurations. The 8-puck is less aggressive than the 6-puck. 

The FX400 clutch may produce a little chatter in the first or reverse gear. A premium ceramic formula may lessen the chatter. 

FX500 Clutch 

It has a holding capacity of 200 to 400% over the stock clutch. If you want a drag racing clutch, look no further. The clutch comes as either a 6 or 8-PUCK. Clutch Masters designed the clutch with a focus on racing applications. The clutch can hold all the power and rapidly dispel unwanted heat without compromising the clutch. The clutch also engages and disengages instantly, thus may cause chatter when launching from a stop. 

All the CM FX clutches are easy to install. They will need a 500-mile break-in period. You need to follow the break-in procedures to get the most out of your clutch.  

ZF Sachs-FX Clutch

The ZF Sachs-FX clutches are popular aftermarket clutches among motorsport lovers. The Sachs clutches have good stability, the ability to increase transmittable torque, and intensify the engine's thermal resistance. They also have a superior lifespan. Besides, Sachs has built a strong reputation as an OEM and aftermarket provider. 

Sachs FX clutches progress from stage 1 to stage 3. 

The Sachs FX clutch kit contains

• Pressure plate
• Clutch disc 
• Releasing bearing 
• Alignment tool
• Basic installation guide

The Sachs-FX clutch kit comes loaded with components created to handle friction, extreme heat, and quick recovery.

Sachs-FX clutches use an XTend pressure plate. The XTend pressure plate has the following advantages: 

• Makes the clutches resistant to extreme temperatures and insensitive to aging and wear. 
• Ensures the clutch has a steady pedal force, thus, extending the longevity of the clutch. 
• In the case of operational deterioration, the XTend pressure plate minimizes the axial installation space needed for the clutch system. 

Sachs clutches are relatively affordable. The price you pay gets you a clutch that performs and lasts long as OEM clutches. The price of a Sachs-FX clutch ranges from $440 to $850. 

Sachs lines its clutch discs with a friction formula material. The material gives the clutch power to handle high torque engines. Therefore, Sachs-FX clutches are perfect clutches for aggressive drivers. Once you invest in a Sachs-FX clutch, you will use it for a long time before it starts exhibiting issues. 

The power and performance level of Sachs-FX clutches progresses from stage 1 to stage 3. 

Stage 1 

If you desire a high-performance but street-friendly clutch, then go for the Sachs-FX stage 1 clutch. It is almost like a factory clutch; thus, it doesn’t need any modification. The clutch has a good holding power and lets you have the sock feel pedal pressure. The clutch is rated at 405 pound-foot of torque but can handle up to 500 pound-foot of torque. 

Stage 2

The clutch is a step up from stage 1. Its clutch kit comes with a light and a perfectly fitted flywheel. It is rated at 405 pound-foot of torque but can handle up to 500 pound-foot of torque. It has a higher holding power than a stage 1 clutch and lets you retain a stiffer but comfortable pedal feel making the clutch ideal for drag racing and hard launches. 

Stage 3

The stage 3 clutch gives you a greater holding power and is rated at 450 pound-foot of torque but can manage 520 pound-foot of torque. The clutch lets out a stiffer pedal feel. However, it softens over time as you get used to the clutch. The clutch does not slip and has an outstanding grip. Sachs designed the clutch for serious track use, street tuning, and endurance racing. 

FX Racing Clutches 

FX Racing produces some of the most affordable and durable heavy-duty clutches. The FX Racing clutch suits a driver who desires high-performance clutches at a cheaper price. All the FX racing clutches can operate on the street and the track. 

A complete clutch kit should contain.

• A heavy-duty pressure plate
• A clutch disc
• Pilot bearing 
• Release bearing
• An alignment tool
• An installation guide

If you are the type of driver who occasionally abuses their vehicle, an FX Racing clutch will gracefully handle the abuse. 

The heavy-duty pressure plate has a unique single diaphragm created to maximize the force applied to the clutch disc. Increasing the clamping force increases the clutch's torque capacity. The pressure plate also provides a smooth engagement. The performance and power holding level increases as you advance from stage 1 to stage 4. The FX Racing clutches cost between $330 to $450.

Stage 1 

This is an upgrade from an OEM clutch. The clutch gives superior holding power and a light pedal feel. The organic material present on the stage 1 clutch gives it a longer lifespan, quicker recovery, and good friction. The clutch suits track and street use. 

Stage 2

The clutch disc has a carbonized Kevlar material giving the clutch outstanding strength, great holding power, and extreme heat resistance. it has more than 50% holding power over stock. 

Stage 3

The clutch uses copper ceramic material and has 12 pads that enhance the clutch's durability, gripping strength, and slip resistance. The ceramic material causes hard launches and overheating, hence not recommended on a daily driven car. It also chatters. 

Stage 4 

If your desire an ideal track/strip clutch, the FX Racing stage 4 clutch is up to the task. The clutch comes with a ductile iron pressure plate. and has a consistent clamping force. The clutch disc has a copper ceramic material and friction pads which provide a great slippage resistance and maximum holding power. 

With proper installation and care, all these clutches will serve you for a long time.