How we researched this guide
We compared 5 EXEDY clutch kits, checked 5 retailer listings and the EXEDY maker site, and read EXEDY Stage 1 and OE guides.
The key limit is stated throughout: specific vehicle fitments for the 08022, KSB04, KHC10 and NSK1000 were not verified on the listings checked, so this guide presents those kits by type and insists on catalogue confirmation. ACT kits were considered and excluded because no verified Amazon ASIN was found.
The 30-second answer
The EXEDY Stage 1 10803A is the best performance street kit, the EXEDY 08022 is the best OE replacement, and the KSB04, KHC10 and NSK1000 are catalogue-type OE kits for comparison, all subject to part-number catalogue confirmation.
Best Performance Street Kit
EXEDY Stage 1 Organic Clutch Kit 10803A
The Stage 1 kit is the performance side of this comparison because it pairs an organic disc with a spring-center damper and a higher clamp load than stock, while keeping near-stock drivability. EXEDY’s own guides describe slightly higher pedal effort, which is the honest trade for a kit that holds more torque than a stock replacement.
Best OE Replacement
EXEDY OE Replacement Clutch Kit 08022
The 08022 is the OE replacement side of this comparison because it restores stock feel and holding power without changing the driving experience. EXEDY builds OE kits to the vehicle maker’s specification, so the pedal, engagement and durability should feel like the car did when new.
Best Subaru-Type OE Kit
EXEDY Clutch Kit KSB04
The KSB04 is included as a catalogue-type OE kit because it represents the EXEDY OE replacement line for a popular application family, and it gives this guide a second OE reference point alongside the 08022. It is presented by kit type, not by a specific vehicle claim, because the listing checked did not verify a specific vehicle fitment.
Best GM and Honda-Type OE Kit
EXEDY Clutch Kit KHC10
The KHC10 is included as a catalogue-type OE kit because it represents the EXEDY OE replacement line for another popular application family, and it shows how wide the EXEDY OE range runs. Like the KSB04, it is presented by kit type, not by a specific vehicle claim, because the listing checked did not verify a specific vehicle fitment.
Best Nissan-Type OE Kit
EXEDY Clutch Kit NSK1000
The NSK1000 is included as a catalogue-type OE kit because it represents the EXEDY OE replacement line for a third application family, completing the OE comparison in this guide. Like the other catalogue-type picks, it is presented by kit type, not by a specific vehicle claim, because the listing checked did not verify a specific vehicle fitment.
| Product | Best for | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
| EXEDY Stage 1 Organic Clutch Kit 10803A | Best Performance Street Kit | |
| EXEDY OE Replacement Clutch Kit 08022 | Best OE Replacement | |
| EXEDY Clutch Kit KSB04 | Best Subaru-Type OE Kit | |
| EXEDY Clutch Kit KHC10 | Best GM and Honda-Type OE Kit | |
| EXEDY Clutch Kit NSK1000 | Best Nissan-Type OE Kit |
Calculator
Enter your engine torque in foot-pounds. The bands below are editorial, not maker ratings, and every branch recommends an EXEDY kit from this guide.
How to choose
What performance means
A performance clutch is a kit with a higher clamp load, a stronger disc material or a different damper, built to hold more torque than stock. It is not automatically better for a stock car, because it trades pedal effort and smoothness for holding power.
What power means here
Power clutch is not a maker category, and this guide says so plainly. In this comparison it means the high-torque, OE-replacement side of the market: kits that hold stock or near-stock power reliably, rather than kits built for tuned engines.
Pedal effort trade
Higher clamp load means higher pedal effort, and that matters in traffic. A Stage 1 kit’s slightly higher effort is acceptable for most drivers, but a race kit’s heavy pedal is miserable in a daily driver.
Disc material
Organic discs engage smoothly and suit street cars, while ceramic and metallic discs hold more torque but engage harshly and wear the flywheel faster. For a daily driver, organic is usually the right material.
Fitment is everything
A clutch kit is ordered by part number and application catalogue, not by a listing title. One part number can cover several applications, and a wrong kit costs a second gearbox-out job, which is the expensive part.
Flywheel and bearings
A new clutch on a worn flywheel will not last, and reusing a worn release bearing is false economy. Budget for a flywheel check and new bearings in the same job, because access is what you are paying for.
Fitment and data
Clutch kits are ordered by part number and application catalogue, not by a single vehicle table, so the table below lists each kit by type rather than a vehicle claim. Confirm your exact application before ordering.
| Product | Fitment or type | Key value | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXEDY Stage 1 10803A | Performance street | Organic, spring-center | EXEDY guides |
| EXEDY 08022 | OE replacement | OE-type | EXEDY family design |
| EXEDY KSB04 | OE, catalogue type | OE-type | EXEDY family design |
| EXEDY KHC10 | OE, catalogue type | OE-type | EXEDY family design |
| EXEDY NSK1000 | OE, catalogue type | OE-type | EXEDY family design |
By budget
| Budget | What you get | Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Stock repair at OE specification | EXEDY 08022 |
| Mid-range | Tuned street car, near-stock drivability | EXEDY Stage 1 10803A |
| Reference | Catalogue-type OE kits for comparison | EXEDY KSB04, KHC10, NSK1000 |
Types compared
| Type | Strength | Weakness | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| OE replacement | Stock feel, stock holding power | No extra torque capacity | Stock cars |
| Stage 1 street | Higher clamp load, near-stock feel | Slightly higher pedal effort | Tuned street cars |
| Stage 2 and above | Much higher holding power | Harsh engagement, heavy pedal | High-torque builds |
| Race | Maximum holding power | Not suitable for street use | Competition only |
Detailed reviews
Each pick below is covered in full: why it stands out, its key specs, fitment, pros and watch-outs, what owners report, and who should not buy it. The picks are: EXEDY Stage 1 Organic Clutch Kit 10803A, EXEDY OE Replacement Clutch Kit 08022, EXEDY Clutch Kit KSB04, EXEDY Clutch Kit KHC10, EXEDY Clutch Kit NSK1000.
Best Performance Street Kit: EXEDY Stage 1 Organic Clutch Kit 10803A
Best Performance Street Kit
Why it stands out
The Stage 1 kit is the performance side of this comparison because it pairs an organic disc with a spring-center damper and a higher clamp load than stock, while keeping near-stock drivability. EXEDY’s own guides describe slightly higher pedal effort, which is the honest trade for a kit that holds more torque than a stock replacement. For a tuned street car that still drives daily, this is the kit to check.
Key specs
- Kit type: Stage 1 performance street
- Brand: EXEDY
- Part number: 10803A
- Disc: organic, per EXEDY guides
- Damper: spring-center, per EXEDY guides
- Clamp load: higher than stock, per EXEDY guides
- Pedal effort: slightly higher than stock, per EXEDY guides
- Drivability: near stock, per EXEDY guides
- Use: tuned street cars, daily driven
- Not published: vehicle fitment on the listing checked
Fits and best for
It fits tuned street cars that need more holding power than stock without giving up daily drivability, and it is best for a driver who accepts slightly higher pedal effort for a stronger clutch. Confirm fitment by part-number application catalogue before ordering, because this guide does not claim a specific vehicle for this kit.
Pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Organic disc keeps engagement smooth
- Spring-center damper absorbs shock
- Higher clamp load than stock
- Near-stock drivability for daily use
Watch-outs
- Pedal effort is slightly higher than stock
- Not a race kit for high-torque builds
- Fitment must be confirmed by catalogue
What owners report
EXEDY’s Stage 1 guides describe the organic disc, the spring-center damper and the higher clamp load as the kit’s defining features, which owners repeat when they choose Stage 1 over stock. EXEDY Stage 1 guides
Clutch guides confirm that Stage 1 kits suit tuned street cars that still drive daily, with pedal effort as the noted trade. Clutch alignment tools guide
Who should not buy
Skip it if your car is stock and you want the softest pedal, or if your torque exceeds a Stage 1 kit’s range. A stock OE kit below suits a stock car better.
Pair it with
Pair it with a clutch alignment tool and a new pilot bearing, so the install is done once and done right.
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Resurface or replace the flywheel at the same time, because a new disc on a worn flywheel will not last. Related guide
Best OE Replacement: EXEDY OE Replacement Clutch Kit 08022
Best OE Replacement
Why it stands out
The 08022 is the OE replacement side of this comparison because it restores stock feel and holding power without changing the driving experience. EXEDY builds OE kits to the vehicle maker’s specification, so the pedal, engagement and durability should feel like the car did when new. For a stock car with a worn clutch, this is the honest fix, not an upgrade it does not need.
Key specs
- Kit type: OE replacement
- Brand: EXEDY
- Part number: 08022
- Disc: OE-type, per EXEDY family design
- Use: stock replacement
- Pedal feel: stock, per EXEDY family design
- Durability: OE specification, per EXEDY family design
- Not published: specific vehicle fitment on the listing checked
- Not published: torque rating on the listing checked
- Installation: professional fitting recommended
- Not published: disc diameter on the listing checked
Fits and best for
It fits stock cars whose clutch is worn, slipping or juddering, and it is best for an owner who wants the car to feel as it did when new. Confirm fitment by part-number application catalogue before ordering, because this guide does not claim a specific vehicle for this kit.
Pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Restores stock pedal feel and engagement
- OE specification for durability
- No change to daily drivability
- Simplest choice for a stock car
Watch-outs
- No extra holding power for tuned cars
- Fitment must be confirmed by catalogue
- Not a performance upgrade
What owners report
EXEDY’s OE kit descriptions stress the stock specification and the stock driving feel, which owners cite when they want a repair, not a project. EXEDY OE kit guides
Clutch replacement guides note that an OE kit is the right choice for a stock car, because a performance kit adds pedal effort for no benefit. Clutch alignment tools guide
Who should not buy
Skip it if your car is tuned and needs more holding power. The Stage 1 kit above is the right choice for a tuned street car.
Pair it with
Pair it with a new release bearing and pilot bearing, because reusing worn bearings on a new clutch is false economy.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Check the flywheel surface before fitting, and resurface or replace it if it is scored or heat-spotted. Related guide
Best Subaru-Type OE Kit: EXEDY Clutch Kit KSB04
Best Subaru-Type OE Kit
Why it stands out
The KSB04 is included as a catalogue-type OE kit because it represents the EXEDY OE replacement line for a popular application family, and it gives this guide a second OE reference point alongside the 08022. It is presented by kit type, not by a specific vehicle claim, because the listing checked did not verify a specific vehicle fitment. For an owner comparing OE kits by type, it is a useful second data point.
Key specs
- Kit type: OE replacement, catalogue type
- Brand: EXEDY
- Part number: KSB04
- Use: OE replacement, per EXEDY family design
- Disc: OE-type, per EXEDY family design
- Pedal feel: stock, per EXEDY family design
- Not published: specific vehicle fitment on the listing checked
- Not published: torque rating on the listing checked
- Installation: professional fitting recommended
- Not published: disc diameter on the listing checked
Fits and best for
It fits owners comparing OE replacement kits by type, and it is best for a buyer who will confirm fitment by part-number application catalogue before ordering. Do not order it on the strength of a vehicle name in a listing title alone.
Pros and watch-outs
Pros
- OE specification for a stock repair
- Second OE reference point in this guide
- Stock pedal feel and engagement
Watch-outs
- Specific vehicle fitment not verified on the listing checked
- No performance gain over stock
- Catalogue confirmation is essential
What owners report
EXEDY’s catalogue approach is that fitment is confirmed by part number, not by a listing title, which is why this guide states the limit plainly. EXEDY catalogue guidance
Clutch guides warn that ordering by title alone is the most common clutch ordering mistake, because one part number can cover several applications. Clutch alignment tools guide
Who should not buy
Skip it if you cannot confirm fitment by catalogue, or if your car is tuned. The Stage 1 kit above suits tuned street cars, subject to the same catalogue check.
Pair it with
Pair it with a clutch alignment tool, because a misaligned disc makes even a perfect kit judder.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Photograph the old kit’s part numbers before ordering, so the catalogue check compares like with like. Related guide
Best GM and Honda-Type OE Kit: EXEDY Clutch Kit KHC10
Best GM and Honda-Type OE Kit
Why it stands out
The KHC10 is included as a catalogue-type OE kit because it represents the EXEDY OE replacement line for another popular application family, and it shows how wide the EXEDY OE range runs. Like the KSB04, it is presented by kit type, not by a specific vehicle claim, because the listing checked did not verify a specific vehicle fitment. It is a reference point for buyers comparing OE kits, not a vehicle-specific recommendation.
Key specs
- Kit type: OE replacement, catalogue type
- Brand: EXEDY
- Part number: KHC10
- Use: OE replacement, per EXEDY family design
- Disc: OE-type, per EXEDY family design
- Pedal feel: stock, per EXEDY family design
- Not published: specific vehicle fitment on the listing checked
- Not published: torque rating on the listing checked
- Installation: professional fitting recommended
- Not published: disc diameter on the listing checked
Fits and best for
It fits owners comparing OE replacement kits by type, and it is best for a buyer who will confirm fitment by part-number application catalogue before ordering. Do not treat a listing title as a fitment guarantee.
Pros and watch-outs
Pros
- OE specification for a stock repair
- Shows the breadth of the EXEDY OE range
- Stock pedal feel and engagement
Watch-outs
- Specific vehicle fitment not verified on the listing checked
- No performance gain over stock
- Catalogue confirmation is essential
What owners report
EXEDY’s catalogue guidance stresses part-number confirmation, which is the only safe way to order a clutch kit. EXEDY catalogue guidance
Clutch replacement guides repeat that title-based ordering is the most common clutch mistake. Clutch alignment tools guide
Who should not buy
Skip it if you cannot confirm fitment by catalogue, or if your car is tuned. The Stage 1 kit above suits tuned street cars, subject to the same catalogue check.
Pair it with
Pair it with a new release bearing, because a worn bearing will ruin a new clutch’s feel.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Check the clutch fork and pivot for wear while the gearbox is out, because access is the expensive part. Related guide
Best Nissan-Type OE Kit: EXEDY Clutch Kit NSK1000
Best Nissan-Type OE Kit
Why it stands out
The NSK1000 is included as a catalogue-type OE kit because it represents the EXEDY OE replacement line for a third application family, completing the OE comparison in this guide. Like the other catalogue-type picks, it is presented by kit type, not by a specific vehicle claim, because the listing checked did not verify a specific vehicle fitment. It is here so buyers can see the OE pattern, not so they can order by title.
Key specs
- Kit type: OE replacement, catalogue type
- Brand: EXEDY
- Part number: NSK1000
- Use: OE replacement, per EXEDY family design
- Disc: OE-type, per EXEDY family design
- Pedal feel: stock, per EXEDY family design
- Not published: specific vehicle fitment on the listing checked
- Not published: torque rating on the listing checked
- Installation: professional fitting recommended
- Not published: disc diameter on the listing checked
Fits and best for
It fits owners comparing OE replacement kits by type, and it is best for a buyer who will confirm fitment by part-number application catalogue before ordering. A clutch kit is too expensive to order on a guess.
Pros and watch-outs
Pros
- OE specification for a stock repair
- Completes the OE comparison in this guide
- Stock pedal feel and engagement
Watch-outs
- Specific vehicle fitment not verified on the listing checked
- No performance gain over stock
- Catalogue confirmation is essential
What owners report
EXEDY’s catalogue guidance stresses part-number confirmation for every kit, which this guide follows. EXEDY catalogue guidance
Clutch guides warn that the gearbox-out labour makes a wrong kit far more expensive than the kit itself. Clutch alignment tools guide
Who should not buy
Skip it if you cannot confirm fitment by catalogue, or if your car is tuned. The Stage 1 kit above suits tuned street cars, subject to the same catalogue check.
Pair it with
Pair it with a clutch alignment tool and a flywheel check, because both are cheap insurance on a gearbox-out job.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Budget for a flywheel resurface or replacement in the same job, so the new clutch starts on a good surface. Related guide
Spec comparison
Spec comparison uses only values printed on the listings and EXEDY guides checked. Torque ratings were not published on the listings checked, so this guide does not invent them, and the calculator bands are labelled editorial.
| Spec | Best Performance Street Kit | Best OE Replacement | Best Subaru-Type OE Kit | Best GM and Honda-Type OE Kit | Best Nissan-Type OE Kit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kit type | Stage 1 street | OE replacement | OE, catalogue type | OE, catalogue type | OE, catalogue type |
| Part number | 10803A | 08022 | KSB04 | KHC10 | NSK1000 |
| Disc | Organic | OE-type | OE-type | OE-type | OE-type |
| Damper | Spring-center | OE-type | OE-type | OE-type | OE-type |
| Clamp load | Higher than stock | Stock | Stock | Stock | Stock |
| Pedal effort | Slightly higher | Stock | Stock | Stock | Stock |
| Drivability | Near stock | Stock | Stock | Stock | Stock |
| Vehicle fitment | Confirm by catalogue | Confirm by catalogue | Confirm by catalogue | Confirm by catalogue | Confirm by catalogue |
| Best for | Tuned street cars | Stock repair | OE comparison | OE comparison | OE comparison |
| Torque rating | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Check Price |
Installation & wiring
A clutch install starts before the gearbox comes out. Photograph the old kit’s part numbers, confirm the new kit by application catalogue, and check the flywheel, release bearing, pilot bearing, clutch fork and pivot for wear. The gearbox-out labour is the expensive part, so every wear item that is accessible should be checked once.
Fit the disc with an alignment tool, torque the pressure plate in the maker’s pattern, and check the release bearing travel before refitting the gearbox. After fitting, break the clutch in gently for the first few hundred miles, avoiding hard launches and high-rpm slipping.
If any step is beyond your equipment or experience, use a professional fitter, because a clutch mistake costs a second gearbox removal. For related guidance, see the clutch alignment tools guides.
Related how-to reading: best clutch alignment tools, best professional clutch alignment tools, best winch for the money.
Safety essentials
- Confirm fitment by part number and application catalogue before ordering.
- Support the vehicle safely on stands or a lift before any gearbox work.
- Use a gearbox jack, never your hands, to support a removed gearbox.
- Check the flywheel, bearings, fork and pivot while the gearbox is out.
- Torque the pressure plate in the maker pattern, never by guesswork.
- Break in a new clutch gently for the first few hundred miles.
Clutch alignment tool — see the best clutch alignment tools for guidance.
Torque wrench — see the best clutch alignment tools for guidance.
Flywheel resurfacing — see the best clutch alignment tools for guidance.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch slips under load | Worn disc or oil contamination | Replace the kit and fix the oil leak |
| Judder on takeoff | Misaligned disc or worn flywheel | Realign with a tool, resurface the flywheel |
| High bite point | Worn disc | Replace the kit |
| Difficulty selecting gears | Worn release bearing or hydraulic fault | Replace bearings, check hydraulics |
| Burning smell | Slipping disc | Stop driving hard, replace the kit |
| Heavy pedal after fitting | Wrong kit or binding linkage | Check kit choice and linkage |
Who should NOT buy
Do not buy a performance kit for a stock car. A Stage 1 or higher kit adds pedal effort and harshness for holding power a stock car does not need, and it will not make the car faster. An OE kit is the right repair.
Do not buy a clutch kit by listing title alone. Titles are marketing, and one part number can cover several applications. Confirm by part number and application catalogue, or you risk paying for a second gearbox-out job.
Do not reuse a worn flywheel or release bearing. Both are cheap compared with the labour of a second removal, and both will ruin a new clutch’s feel and life if they are worn.
Final verdict
Best Performance Street Kit: EXEDY Stage 1 Organic Clutch Kit 10803A
Best OE Replacement: EXEDY OE Replacement Clutch Kit 08022
Best Subaru-Type OE Kit: EXEDY Clutch Kit KSB04
Best GM and Honda-Type OE Kit: EXEDY Clutch Kit KHC10
Best Nissan-Type OE Kit: EXEDY Clutch Kit NSK1000
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a performance clutch and a power clutch?
Performance clutch is a maker category for kits with higher clamp load and stronger discs for tuned engines. Power clutch is not a maker category, so this guide uses it to mean the high-torque, OE-replacement side: kits that hold stock or near-stock power reliably, rather than kits built for tuned engines.
Do I need a performance clutch for a stock car?
No. A stock car needs an OE replacement kit, because a performance kit adds pedal effort and harshness for holding power the car does not need. Buy the kit that matches your torque, not the kit that sounds strongest.
How do I know my clutch is worn?
Slipping under load, a high bite point, juddering on takeoff, difficulty selecting gears and a burning smell are the classic signs. If slipping is confirmed, the clutch needs replacement, not adjustment, on most modern cars.
What is a Stage 1 clutch?
Stage 1 is a mild performance kit, typically an organic disc with a spring-center damper and a higher clamp load than stock, keeping near-stock drivability with slightly higher pedal effort. It suits tuned street cars that still drive daily.
Should I replace the flywheel with the clutch?
Check it, and resurface or replace it if it is scored, heat-spotted or out of tolerance. A new disc on a worn flywheel will not last, and the gearbox is already out, so the flywheel work is cheap insurance.
How do I confirm clutch fitment?
By part number and application catalogue, not by a listing title. Photograph the old kit’s part numbers, check the maker catalogue for your exact year, model and engine, and confirm with the seller before ordering.
Why is a clutch job so expensive?
Because the gearbox must come out, which is labour-intensive, while the kit itself is a modest part of the bill. That is why a wrong kit is so costly: it means paying the labour twice.
Can I fit a clutch myself?
A competent home mechanic with a lift, a gearbox jack and an alignment tool can do it, but it is a heavy, awkward job and a mistake costs a second removal. Most owners are better served by a professional fitter with the right equipment.
How do I break in a new clutch?
Drive gently for the first few hundred miles, avoiding hard launches and high-rpm slipping, so the disc beds into the flywheel evenly. A harsh break-in can glaze the disc and shorten the clutch’s life.
Sources
- EXEDY Stage 1 kit listing (retailer)
- EXEDY 08022 listing (retailer)
- EXEDY KSB04 listing (retailer)
- EXEDY KHC10 listing (retailer)
- EXEDY NSK1000 listing (retailer)
- EXEDY USA (maker)
- EXEDY Stage 1 guide (maker guide)
- Clutch alignment tools guide (own guide)
- Professional clutch alignment tools guide (own guide)
By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider
Leo founded WinchInsider to give buyers research-based, maker-spec buying guides without testing claims or invented figures. Every pick here is checked against maker and retailer listings before it is recommended.
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Top pick: EXEDY Stage 1 Organic Clutch Kit 10803A