McLeod's RST HD Splits the Difference With an Organic-and-Ceramic Disc, Rated to 950 HP

Every clutch is a compromise between how it drives in traffic and how much power it holds. McLeod Racing's new RST HD tries to move that line. PASMAG reported on July 2 that McLeod introduced the RST HD clutch kit, which sits between the company's RST and RXT systems and is rated for up to 950 hp.

“The RST HD really is about having your cake and eating it too,” said Will Baty in PASMAG's report. His explanation is the whole design in one line: “You get the street manners of an organic disc with the added holding power of ceramic.”

The hybrid disc

The key piece is a hybrid dual performance friction disc. One side has a full-face organic material for smooth engagement and durability. The other side uses segmented ceramic material for more bite and torque capacity. According to McLeod, the design puts less stress on the transmission and drivetrain during aggressive driving, which matters on cars where the clutch is the first part of a long chain of expensive components.

Flywheel options cover the common scenarios. There is a ringed version for use with an existing flywheel, plus complete packages with either an aluminum or a steel flywheel.

Why it matters

The RST and RXT twin-disc lines have been popular with modern muscle car owners, especially Mustang and Camaro drivers who add a blower and then discover the clutch is the weak link. The jump from an all-organic street clutch to an aggressive ceramic one is usually where daily drivability falls apart. A disc that pairs both materials is a smart way to give a 700 or 800 horsepower street car more holding power without making it miserable in stop-and-go traffic.

The 950 horsepower figure puts the RST HD squarely in supercharged street car territory, the kind of build that runs a few passes at a test-and-tune night and then drives home. Specific vehicle fitments and pricing were not listed in PASMAG's report, which says the kit is available in multiple configurations. McLeod's site is the place to check your application.