Kennedy Stage 4 3000# Pressure Plate, Fits All Years

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing the absolute limits of air-cooled performance, your drivetrain is only as strong as its weakest link. The Kennedy Stage 4 3000# Pressure Plate is engineered specifically for those who refuse to compromise on power delivery. This isn''t your average street plate; it is a heavy-duty beast designed to handle the brutal torque of high-displacement stroker engines, extreme turbocharger setups, and nitrous-fed monsters. With a massive 3000-pound clamping force, this unit ensures that every bit of horsepower generated by your engine actually makes it to the pavement or the sand, preventing the devastating slippage that destroys clutch discs and ruins race days. Kennedy Engineering has long been the gold standard in the Volkswagen performance world, and this Stage 4 unit represents the pinnacle of their 200mm clutch technology.

One of the standout features of this Kennedy Stage 4 plate is its incredible versatility across various Volkswagen transaxle generations. Every 200mm Kennedy pressure plate we stock comes equipped with a removable center ring, making it compatible with both early-style (pre-1970) and late-style (1971-later) release bearings. This eliminates the guesswork when building a custom transaxle or swapping engines between different chassis. Beyond its compatibility, the Stage 4 is balanced to exacting tolerances to ensure smooth operation at high RPMs, reducing vibration and protecting your crankshaft and main bearings from unnecessary stress. Whether you are building a dedicated drag Beetle, a high-horsepower sand rail, or a wild street sleeper, this pressure plate provides the rock-solid engagement required for professional-grade performance.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle / Bug (All Years with 200mm Flywheel)
• Volkswagen Type 1: Super Beetle (All Years)
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus / Transporter (1950-1971 with 200mm Flywheel)
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, Notchback (All Years)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All Years (with 200mm Flywheel)
• Volkswagen Type 181: Thing (All Years)
• Custom Applications: Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Trikes utilizing VW 200mm components.

SPECS

• Clamping Force: 3000 Lbs (Stage 4)
• Diameter: 200mm
• Center Ring: Removable (Fits Early and Late Style Throw-out Bearings)
• Material: High-tensile heat-treated steel and heavy-duty cast alloy cover
• Weight: Approximately 9.62 lbs
• Application: Dedicated Racing, Sand Drags, High-Boost Turbochargers
• Manufacturer: Kennedy Engineering
• GTIN: 707924326116

PRO TIPS

1. Prepare for Significant Pedal Pressure

The Kennedy Stage 4 is a serious piece of racing equipment and carries a 3000-pound rating, which translates to a very heavy clutch pedal. If you are running a stock clutch cable or a standard plastic pedal assembly bushing, you may experience failure under the increased load. We strongly recommend upgrading to a reinforced clutch cable and ensuring your pedal cluster is in top mechanical condition. For many builders, a hydraulic clutch conversion is the preferred method to manage this pressure plate without excessive leg fatigue during staging or operation.

2. Match Your Clutch Disc Wisely

Installing a Stage 4 pressure plate with a standard organic street disc is usually a recipe for disaster in a high-horsepower application. To truly harness the 3000 lbs of clamping force, you should pair this plate with a high-performance disc such as a 4-puck or 6-puck ceramic/metallic disc, or a Kennedy Copperhead disc. These materials are designed to handle the heat and friction generated by the Stage 4 without glazing or disintegrating, which is critical for consistent launches at the track or in the dunes.

3. Flywheel Surfacing and Center Ring Configuration

Always have your flywheel professionally surfaced before installing a new Stage 4 pressure plate to ensure a perfectly flat mating surface. This prevents "chatter" and uneven wear. Additionally, pay close attention to the center ring. If your transmission uses the 1970-and-earlier "un-guided" throw-out bearing, leave the center ring installed. If you are using a 1971-and-later "guided" style throw-out bearing (which slides on a sleeve), you must remove the center ring by popping the retaining clips. Installing it incorrectly will lead to immediate engagement issues and potential damage to the pressure plate fingers.