Kennedy Engineered Products (KEP) Stage 1 pressure plate — the entry point into Kennedy's lineup of heavy-duty clutch components that have been the standard for VW drag racing, off-road, and sand competition for decades. Rated at 1700 lb of clamping force, this plate handles serious power without the on/off feel of higher-stage Kennedy plates.

Application

• VW Type 1 / Type 2 / Type 3 with 200 mm flywheel (most performance-built air-cooled engines)
• Performance street, off-road, drag, and sand applications
• Pair with a matching 200 mm clutch disc — KEP 4-puck (16-9898-0) for harsher engagement, KEP 6-puck (16-9899-0) for smoother engagement, or a stock-style disc for street use

What "Stage 1 / 1700 lb" means

The "1700 lb" is the clamping force the pressure plate applies to the clutch disc — versus roughly 1500 lb for a stock VW pressure plate. The extra clamping force prevents the disc from slipping under high torque, which is the failure mode that destroys clutches in built engines. Stage 1 is Kennedy's lowest-pressure performance plate — livable on the street, won't murder your left leg, but holds well past stock power levels. If you're making serious power (4-puck disc, high-stall drag launches, sand drag, etc.) you may want to step up to Stage 2 or higher.

Specifications

• EMPI Part #: 00-4090-0
• Clamping Force: 1700 lb
• Diameter: 200 mm
• UPC: 707924326062
• Includes metal ring; center ring is removable for late-model style applications
• Boxed packaging

About Kennedy Engineered Products

Kennedy has been building performance clutches for air-cooled VWs since the 1970s and remains the reference brand for serious engine builders. Made in the USA. If the engine in front of your transaxle is making real power, KEP is what holds it together.