Kennedy Stage 2 2100# Pressure Plate, Fits All Years

OVERVIEW

When it comes to transferring serious horsepower from your air-cooled powerplant to the pavement or the sand, Kennedy Engineering is the undisputed industry standard. The Kennedy Stage 2 2100# Pressure Plate is engineered for the enthusiast who has moved beyond a stock or mild build and needs a clutch system that won''t slip under pressure. Rated at a formidable 2100 lbs of static pressure, this unit provides a significant increase in clamping force over the Stage 1 and stock alternatives. It is the perfect choice for high-displacement street engines, turbocharged setups, or heavy-duty off-road machines where reliability is non-negotiable. Despite its impressive holding power, Kennedy has managed to maintain a pedal feel that remains manageable for spirited street driving, ensuring you don''t need a leg of steel to navigate traffic while still enjoying race-ready performance.

One of the most versatile features of this 200mm pressure plate is its universal compatibility across the entire spectrum of Volkswagen history. Every Kennedy Stage 2 unit we stock at Appletree Auto comes equipped with a removable center ring. This critical design element allows the pressure plate to function perfectly with early-style transmissions (pre-1971) that utilize a guided throw-out bearing with a collar, as well as late-style transmissions (1971 and newer) that use a sleeveless throw-out bearing. By simply removing or retaining the center ring, you can adapt this heavy-duty component to virtually any VW transaxle. Precision-balanced and manufactured from high-quality materials right here in the USA, this pressure plate is built to withstand the high-RPM launches and heat cycles associated with competitive racing and aggressive weekend excursions.

FITMENT

This 200mm pressure plate is designed to fit a wide variety of air-cooled Volkswagen applications and custom off-road vehicles. Note that your engine must be equipped with a 200mm flywheel to utilize this component.

• VW Beetle / Bug: All years (1950-1979)
• VW Karmann Ghia: All years (1956-1974)
• VW Bus / Transporter / Type 2: 1950-1971 (with 200mm flywheel conversion)
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961-1973
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Bajas, and Manx-style kits using VW-based transaxles.

SPECS

• Brand: Kennedy Engineering (KEP)
• Stage: Stage 2 Performance
• Clamping Pressure: 2100 lbs (approximate)
• Diameter: 200mm
• Center Ring: Included (Removable for Late-Style Bearings)
• Application Type: High Performance Street / Competition Racing
• Weight: Approximately 9.53 lbs
• Material: High-tensile stamped steel housing with precision-ground friction surface
• Origin: Made in the USA

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Center Ring Configuration

The most common installation error we see involves the center ring. If you are running a 1970 or earlier transmission (or a custom setup with an early-style throw-out bearing that has a support sleeve), you MUST leave the center ring installed on the pressure plate. However, if you are running a 1971 or later transmission with the "late style" throw-out bearing that clips onto the cross-shaft without a support tube, you MUST remove the center ring. Failing to remove the ring on a late-style setup will prevent the clutch from disengaging properly and can cause immediate damage to your release bearing and pressure plate fingers. Always double-check your transmission style before bolting the pressure plate to the flywheel.

2. Match Your Clutch Disc to Your Power Level

A Stage 2 pressure plate provides incredible clamping force, but it is only half of the equation. To get the most out of this 2100 lb unit, we recommend pairing it with a high-quality clutch disc that matches your driving style. For high-performance street use, a "Cush-Lok" or a high-quality organic disc provides a smoother engagement while still holding the power. For dedicated drag racing or off-road abuse, a rigid-hub 4-puck or 6-puck ceramic disc is often preferred for its "grabby" nature and heat resistance. Never reuse an old, worn-out disc with a brand-new Stage 2 plate, as the uneven wear patterns will lead to premature failure and chatter.

3. Cleanliness and Torque Precision are Critical

Before installation, use a high-quality brake cleaner to thoroughly degrease the friction surface of the pressure plate and your flywheel. Even a small amount of shipping oil or fingerprint grease can lead to clutch slip and glazing during the initial break-in period. When bolting the plate to the flywheel, always use a star pattern and torque the bolts in stages. The final torque spec for standard 8mm pressure plate bolts is typically 18 ft-lbs. We highly recommend using a drop of blue thread-locking compound on each bolt to ensure they don''t back out under the high-vibration environment of a performance air-cooled engine. Don''t forget to use a clutch alignment tool to ensure the disc is perfectly centered before tightening.