ACT Xtreme Pressure Plate + Race Rigid 6-Pad Clutch Kit | Mazda MazdaSpeed3 | 2007–2013 | ZX5-XTR6
ACT Xtreme Pressure Plate + Race Rigid 6-Pad Clutch Kit – Mazda MazdaSpeed3 | 2007–2013 | ZX5-XTR6
Race-specification clutch — not a direct OEM replacement for street driving. The ACT ZX5-XTR6 combines an Xtreme pressure plate with a Race Rigid 6-pad ceramic disc. The 6-pad rigid disc engages abruptly (on/off power delivery), will chatter at low speed in traffic, and requires driver adaptation. It is not appropriate for stop-and-go commuting without significant tolerance for the engagement character. This kit is designed for track, competition, and high-power street/strip applications where maximum torque capacity and shift speed take priority over engagement smoothness. If you need a street-daily clutch upgrade, consider ACT’s Street or Street Sprung disc options instead.
ACT ZX5-XTR6 clutch kit for the 2007–2013 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 — combining ACT’s Xtreme pressure plate with their Race Rigid 6-pad ceramic disc. Maximum clamp load for maximum torque capacity, with a ceramic 6-pad disc built for heat resistance and rapid engagement. 40.3 lbs. Ships fast across Canada and the US.
Xtreme Pressure Plate — Maximum Clamp Load
ACT’s Xtreme pressure plate is their highest-clamp-load street/competition pressure plate for the MazdaSpeed3 application. The design uses an exclusive diaphragm spring geometry engineered to increase clamp load over OEM while reducing deflection under sustained load:
- Increased clamp load: Higher spring load presses the disc more firmly against the flywheel, increasing the torque the clutch can transmit before slipping. Essential for a tuned MazdaSpeed3 where stock torque figures (280 lb-ft OEM, significantly higher on tune) quickly overwhelm the OEM clutch’s capacity.
- Reduced deflection: The diaphragm design minimises flex under high pedal load and under sustained high-torque application — maintaining consistent clamp force rather than allowing the spring to fatigue and lose pressure over time.
- Four-stage heat treatment: ACT subjects all Xtreme diaphragm springs to a four-stage heat-treating process — relieving internal stress and optimising the spring’s material properties for sustained high-load cycling. Precision cover stampings provide rigidity and dimensional consistency across the pressure plate assembly.
Race Rigid 6-Pad Disc — Ceramic, Rigid Hub
The Race Rigid 6-pad disc is ACT’s competition-specification friction disc for this application. Two design choices define its character:
- 6-pad ceramic friction: Six discrete ceramic friction pads are arranged around the disc face with open segments between them. Ceramic friction material provides high coefficient of friction for maximum torque capacity and excellent heat resistance — the 6-pad layout concentrates friction material for high-load engagement while the open segments allow heat and debris to escape. Ceramic pads are harder on flywheel and pressure plate surfaces than organic friction materials — inspect and resurface or replace the flywheel at this clutch install.
- Rigid hub (no dampener): Unlike street-spec discs that use a sprung hub to cushion engagement shock and drivetrain vibration, the Race Rigid disc uses a solid chrome-moly hub with no torsional dampening. This eliminates the compliance that causes engagement delay and allows faster, more direct power transfer — but also means all engagement shock and drivetrain vibration is transmitted directly. Lightweight rigid design allows for quicker shifts. The chrome-moly hub is heat-treated for strength and durability.
ACT specifically recommends the 6-pad rigid disc for larger clutch sizes where heat absorption is a priority — the MazdaSpeed3’s combination of high torque output and FWD drivetrain loads makes the 6-pad’s heat capacity a relevant advantage in track and performance driving conditions.
MazdaSpeed3 Application — 2007–2013
The ZX5-XTR6 covers both MazdaSpeed3 generations sharing the same clutch interface:
- Gen 1 (2007–2009): 263 HP / 280 lb-ft stock from the 2.3L DISI turbocharged inline-4. The MazdaSpeed3’s combination of high torque, FWD layout, and aggressive tune potential makes the stock clutch a common early failure point on modified examples.
- Gen 2 (2010–2013): Revised styling and minor mechanical updates — same 2.3L DISI turbo and 6-speed transaxle clutch interface.
Both generations are compatible with the ZX5-XTR6. Professional clutch installation is required — flywheel resurfacing or replacement is recommended at the same time, and ACT strongly recommends installing their matched flywheel when fitting a ceramic disc to prevent accelerated flywheel wear.
Race-spec clutch — abrupt engagement, will chatter in stop-and-go traffic. Not for drivers seeking OEM-like engagement. Flywheel resurfacing or replacement strongly recommended. Professional installation required. 40.3 lbs.
Specifications
- Brand: ACT (Advanced Clutch Technology)
- Part Number: ZX5-XTR6
- Pressure plate: Xtreme (XT) — maximum clamp load, four-stage heat-treated diaphragm
- Disc: Race Rigid 6-pad (R6) — ceramic friction, rigid chrome-moly hub, no dampener
- Application: 2007–2013 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 — 2.3L DISI Turbo
- Engagement: Abrupt — race specification
- Flywheel: Resurfacing or replacement recommended
- Weight: 40.3 lbs