Kennedy Stage 1 1700# Pressure Plate, Fits All Years

OVERVIEW

When it comes to transferring power from your high-performance air-cooled engine to the pavement, nothing carries the reputation of Kennedy Engineering. The Kennedy Stage 1 1700# Pressure Plate is the industry standard for Volkswagen enthusiasts who have moved beyond the capabilities of a stock clutch. As you increase displacement and add performance upgrades like dual carburetors or high-lift cams, your engine''s torque will quickly overwhelm a standard pressure plate, leading to debilitating clutch slip and heat damage. This Stage 1 unit provides a significant increase in clamping forcerated at 1700 poundswhich is the perfect "sweet spot" for street-driven performance cars and weekend drag racers. It offers enough grip to handle engines producing up to approximately 200 horsepower while maintaining a manageable pedal feel that won''t leave your left leg exhausted after a trip through traffic.

Precision-engineered in the USA, this 200mm pressure plate is designed for ultimate versatility across the entire Volkswagen lineup. One of the most critical features of the Kennedy design is the inclusion of a removable center ring. This allows the unit to be compatible with both early-style "swing axle" transmissions that utilize a non-guided throw-out bearing and later-style transmissions equipped with a guide tube and a "late" throw-out bearing. Whether you are building a traditional Cal-Look Beetle, a rugged off-road sand rail, or a high-speed Ghia, this pressure plate provides the reliability and structural integrity required for aggressive shifting and high-RPM launches. By choosing Kennedy, you are investing in a component that has been proven on the track and the trail for decades, ensuring that every bit of your engine''s horsepower actually makes it to the transaxle.

FITMENT

This 200mm pressure plate is designed to fit all air-cooled Volkswagen engines equipped with a 200mm flywheel. Fitment includes, but is not limited to, the following models:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (All models with 200mm conversion or stock 1500/1600cc).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974.
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1971 (Prior to the switch to larger 210mm/215mm/228mm systems).
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1973.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974.
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing a VW Type 1, 2, or 3 drivetrain.

SPECS

• Clamping Force: 1700 lbs (Stage 1).
• Diameter: 200mm (Standard VW High-Performance size).
• Horsepower Rating: Recommended for engines up to 200 HP.
• Center Ring: Removable (Compatible with Early and Late throw-out bearings).
• Weight: Approximately 9.59 lbs.
• Construction: High-strength stamped steel housing with heavy-duty diaphragm spring.
• Balance: Factory balanced for high-RPM stability.
• Manufacturer: Kennedy Engineering (KCP).

PRO TIPS

1. Correct Configuration of the Center Ring

The most common installation error involves the removable center ring. If your transmission is an "early" style (typically pre-1970) and uses a throw-out bearing that is NOT supported by a guide tube, you must keep the center ring installed on the pressure plate. If you have a "late" style transmission (1971 and newer) that features a metal guide tube over the input shaft, you must remove the center ring. Failing to remove the ring on a late-style setup will cause the throw-out bearing to bind or prevent the clutch from disengaging properly, potentially damaging your transmission or the pressure plate itself.

2. Proper Flywheel Preparation and Torque

Never install a high-performance Kennedy pressure plate on a glazed or heat-checked flywheel. For the Stage 1 to perform at its 1700# potential, the flywheel surface must be freshly machined or brand new. Additionally, ensure you use high-quality Grade 12.9 pressure plate bolts and torque them in a star pattern to 18 ft-lbs. We also strongly recommend replacing your Gland Nut and Pilot Bearing during this service, as the increased clamping force puts additional stress on the entire crank-to-clutch interface. Use a small amount of Blue Loctite on the pressure plate bolts to ensure they don''t vibrate loose under high-RPM conditions.

3. Managing the Break-In Period

While it is tempting to test the 1700 lbs of grip immediately, a proper break-in period is vital for the longevity of both the pressure plate and your clutch disc. We recommend at least 300 to 500 miles of stop-and-go city driving before performing high-RPM launches or full-throttle shifts. This allows the friction material to transfer evenly and seat perfectly against the pressure plate surface. During this time, avoid "slipping" the clutch excessively, as this can create localized hot spots on the Stage 1 diaphragm, which may lead to chatter or uneven engagement later in the life of the component.