200mm Clutch Disc, Kush Lock, for Beetle

OVERVIEW

When it comes to transferring power from your air-cooled engine to the transaxle, the choice of clutch disc makes the difference between a smooth weekend cruise and a frustrating, chattering driving experience. The EMPI 200mm Kush Lock Clutch Disc is engineered specifically for the VW enthusiast who demands the aggressive bite of a performance disc without the harsh, "on-off" switch feel of a full metallic race plate. By utilizing a unique segmented friction design, the Kush Lock technology provides a positive, slip-free lock-up during high-load situations while maintaining a surprisingly soft engagement for stop-and-go traffic. Whether you are running a spirited 1776cc street motor or a torque-heavy 2110cc engine, this disc bridges the gap between daily drivability and track-ready performance, ensuring that every horsepower you build actually reaches the pavement.

Durability is at the core of this EMPI design, featuring a rigid hub that eliminates the weak points often found in sprung-center discs that can fail under high-RPM shifts. While some rigid discs are notorious for being "grabby," the Kush Lock''s specialized friction material and plate segmenting allow for just enough "give" to prevent drivetrain shock while still holding firm when you drop the hammer. This is the go-to choice for Baja bugs, sand rails, and street-performance Beetles where reliability is non-negotiable. At Appletree Auto, we know that air-cooled Volkswagens are often pushed to their limits, and this 200mm disc is built to withstand the heat and friction of aggressive driving without fading or glazing like standard organic replacement discs. If you are tired of clutch slip during hard acceleration but don''t want to vibrate your teeth loose at every stoplight, the Kush Lock is the definitive solution for your drivetrain.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1967-1977 (Sedan & Convertible)
• VW Super Beetle: 1971-1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1967-1974
• VW Bus (Type 2): 1963-1971 (With 200mm Flywheel conversion)
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1964-1973
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing a 200mm 12-volt flywheel and 24-spline input shaft.

SPECS

• Diameter: 200mm (Approx. 7.87 inches)
• Hub Style: Rigid Center (Non-sprung for maximum strength)
• Friction Type: Kush Lock (Segmented Performance Organic/Metallic Composite)
• Spline Count: 24-Spline (Standard VW Type 1/2/3)
• Material: High-carbon steel core with heavy-duty rivets
• Application: Street Performance, Off-Road, and Light Competition
• Weight: 2.02 lbs
• Compatibility: Designed for use with 200mm Pressure Plates

PRO TIPS

1. Never Skip Flywheel Resurfacing

One of the most common mistakes I see in the shop is installing a high-performance Kush Lock disc onto a glazed or heat-checked flywheel. Even if your flywheel looks "okay," microscopic unevenness and heat spots will prevent the new friction material from bedding in properly, leading to premature wear or chatter. Always have your flywheel professionally resurfaced or replace it with a new forged 200mm unit. This ensures a perfectly flat mating surface, allowing the Kush Lock segments to grab evenly across the entire diameter. Don''t forget to check your rear main seal while the flywheel is off; a tiny oil leak will ruin a brand-new clutch disc in a matter of miles.

2. Proper Alignment and Input Shaft Maintenance

Because this is a rigid hub disc, it is less forgiving of misalignment during installation than a sprung-center disc. Always use a high-quality clutch alignment tool to center the disc perfectly before torquing down your pressure plate. Additionally, take a moment to inspect your transaxle input shaft splines. Clean them thoroughly with a wire brush and apply a very light film of high-temp moly grease. You want just enough to ensure the disc slides freely, but not so much that centrifugal force flings grease onto the friction material. If the disc hangs up on the splines, you will experience "clutch drag," making it difficult to shift into first or reverse from a standstill.

3. The Break-In Period is Critical

Even though the Kush Lock is designed for "positive lock-up," it still requires a proper break-in cycle to reach its full holding capacity. I recommend at least 200 to 300 miles of urban drivinglots of shifting and varied engagementbefore you attempt any high-RPM launches or dyno pulls. During this break-in phase, the friction material transfer layer is established between the disc, the flywheel, and the pressure plate. If you overheat the disc with a massive burnout immediately after installation, you risk glazing the segments, which permanently reduces the coefficient of friction and results in a clutch that slips under load regardless of how much pressure the plate exerts.