ClutchMaxPRO Stage 2 Clutch Kit for Subaru WRX, Forester XT and Legacy GT

Forester XT fitment warning

The advertised 2006–2013 Forester range is broader than the U.S.-market manual-transmission availability. Many later Forester XT models were automatic-only and therefore cannot use this clutch.

Confirm the transmission before ordering. A turbocharged engine and a Forester badge do not magically add a clutch pedal—Subaru offered enough drivetrain combinations without our help.

Clutch and flywheel compatibility

The listing warns that the clutch and flywheel must be used together on certain models. However, the published package contents do not include a flywheel.

This is particularly important for applications that cross between:

• EJ255 and FA20F engines
• Five-speed and six-speed transmissions
• Different factory flywheel designs
• Different clutch diameters
• Pull-type and push-type release systems

The 2015–2017 WRX commonly uses a 230 mm clutch system. Replacement clutch and flywheel components must be selected as a matched set when converting between configurations.

Before ordering, ask the seller:

• Which models require a replacement flywheel?
• What flywheel part number is required?
• Is that flywheel included?
• Can the original dual-mass or solid flywheel be reused?
• Does the kit use a push- or pull-type release system?
• Is the advertised kit for five- or six-speed transmissions?

A complete flywheel-and-clutch package is available for some WRX applications, but a clutch-only box should not be described as including one through the mysterious power of implication.

Kit contents

The advertised package includes:

• Heavy-duty pressure plate
• Stage 2 carbon-Kevlar-infused clutch disc
• Release or throwout bearing
• Pilot bearing
• Clutch alignment tool
• Installation guide

Published specifications

The horsepower and torque limits are manufacturer claims and appear to refer to crankshaft output rather than power measured at the wheels.

Stage 2 street performance

The carbon-Kevlar-infused disc is intended to offer greater thermal capacity and holding ability than a basic organic replacement without moving into the harsher behavior of a ceramic race clutch.

Expected characteristics include:

• Firmer engagement than stock
• Increased torque capacity
• Progressive street operation
• Moderate pedal effort
• Better heat resistance
• Less chatter than a puck-style disc
• Longer break-in than some conventional organic clutches

This makes the kit suitable for mildly modified WRX, Legacy GT and similar turbo Subaru builds within the published torque capacity.

Read the Pro Street performance clutch review for more information about selecting organic, Kevlar and ceramic friction materials.

Is 332 lb-ft enough for your build?

Clutch capacity should be compared with estimated engine torque, not just peak wheel horsepower.

A tuned turbo Subaru can produce a large torque increase at relatively low engine speed. That sudden midrange load can cause clutch slip even when peak horsepower appears to fall within the advertised range.

This kit makes the most sense for:

• Stock turbocharged engines
• Conservative ECU tunes
• Intake and exhaust modifications
• Moderate street builds
• Occasional autocross or track use
• Vehicles below the rated torque limit with a safety margin

Consider a higher-capacity clutch for:

• Upgraded turbochargers
• High-boost configurations
• Ethanol fuel tunes with substantial torque
• Repeated drag launches
• Competition use
• Builds approaching or exceeding 332 lb-ft at the crank

Browse additional Subaru technical articles on My Pro Street before finalizing the drivetrain combination.

Symptoms of a failing clutch

Common signs include:

• Engine speed rising without corresponding acceleration
• Slipping under boost
• Burning friction-material odor
• Engagement near the top of pedal travel
• Shudder during takeoff
• Difficulty selecting gears
• Release-bearing noise
• Reduced acceleration in higher gears

Subaru clutch chatter can also come from worn engine mounts, transmission mounts, flywheel damage or driveline movement. Diagnose the system before assuming the disc is responsible for every noise.

Installation considerations

While the transmission is removed, inspect:

• Flywheel surface and runout
• Rear main engine seal
• Transmission input-shaft seal
• Clutch fork and pivot
• Release-bearing guide tube
• Slave and master cylinders
• Engine and transmission mounts
• Axle seals

Before installation:

1. Confirm the complete ClutchMaxPRO part number.
2. Verify whether the application requires a matching flywheel.
3. Compare disc diameter and spline count.
4. Confirm push- or pull-type clutch operation.
5. Check the disc’s installation direction.
6. Clean all friction surfaces.
7. Follow the factory torque sequence.
8. Bleed the hydraulic system properly.

Use the applicable Subaru service information and the supplied ClutchMaxPRO instructions.

Break-in procedure

Carbon-Kevlar clutch materials normally require a careful break-in period. Follow the instructions included with the exact kit; expect several hundred miles of moderate street operation.

During break-in:

• Avoid full boost
• Avoid hard launches
• Do not perform dyno pulls
• Avoid racing
• Minimize excessive clutch slipping
• Use repeated normal engagement cycles
• Do not tow heavy loads

Highway mileage provides few engagement cycles and should not account for the entire break-in period.

Final verdict

The ClutchMaxPRO Stage 2 kit is a reasonable option for compatible manual-transmission turbo Subaru and Saab models requiring more holding capacity than a standard replacement clutch. Its full-face carbon-Kevlar-infused disc should remain usable on the street while supporting mild performance upgrades.

The unresolved flywheel requirement is the main concern. The listing spans several engines, transmissions and clutch configurations but does not include a flywheel in the published package contents. Confirm the required flywheel and exact application before ordering.

Browse more performance and drivetrain parts at ProStreetOnline or visit the My Pro Street technical library for additional Subaru repair and upgrade guides.