EMPI Adjustable IRS Spring Plates — 6-1/8" Collar, Pair | VW Beetle 1972–1979 (18-1075-0)

EMPI Adjustable IRS Spring Plates — 6-1/8" Collar (Pair)

EMPI adjustable IRS spring plates with a 6-1/8" collar — specifically tuned for 1972–1979 VW Beetle IRS rear suspension using the 26-9/16" torsion bar. They replace the factory spring plate assembly with a precision-machined adjustable plate that allows infinite rear ride-height adjustment. Sold as a pair. EMPI part #18-1075-0.

The spring plates connect the IRS torsion bars to the rear trailing arms. Where the factory setup is locked by spline engagement, these single-piece adjustable plates include a built-in adjuster: loosen, change angle, retighten — rear ride height moves in continuous increments for show stance, autocross corner weights, or off-road travel.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Beetle (Standard, IRS rear): 1972–1979
• VW Super Beetle (IRS rear): 1972–1979 (verify your specific year)
• Karmann Ghia: 1972–1974

Why Choose EMPI?

EMPI tunes this single-piece adjustable plate to late-Beetle torsion housing geometry, delivering infinite rear ride-height control with correct torsion bar engagement instead of fixed spline positions.

Key Features & Benefits

• Year-specific tuning: Matched to 1972–1979 Beetle torsion housing geometry
• Infinite adjustment: Continuous ride-height change without spline clocking
• Versatile: Show stance, autocross corner weights, or off-road travel
• Matched pair: Left and right supplied together

Technical Specifications

• Collar size: 6-1/8 inch
• Torsion bar length: 26-9/16 inch
• Application: 1972–1979 Beetle IRS rear suspension
• Adjustment: Continuous, infinite within range
• Sold as: Pair
• Part number: 18-1075-0

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why are there two different 6-1/8" collar versions (this one and 17-2674-0)? The collar size is the same, but VW changed spring plate geometry between the early IRS era (1968–1971) and the later IRS era (1972–1979). Each version is tuned for its specific application — the camber and toe characteristics differ. Match the part number to your specific year.
• Will I need an alignment after installing? Yes. Any change in rear ride height changes rear camber and toe. After installation and any height adjustment, get the car aligned.
• Can I install these myself? Moderately involved. Torsion housing has to be opened, plates swapped, torsion bars re-clocked, everything reassembled. Plan 2-4 hours for someone familiar with VW rear suspension. Less if you've done IRS rebuilds before.
• How much ride height adjustment do I get? Continuous adjustment within the mechanical range — typically enough for 2-4" of vertical adjustment, more if combined with torsion bar re-clocking.
• Will they work on a Super Beetle? Late Super Beetles use IRS rear with similar geometry to Standard Beetle. Verify your specific year and chassis before ordering — for unusual builds, send dimensions and we'll confirm.
• Are these street legal? Yes, in any reasonable ride-height setting. Some extreme adjustment positions may put alignment outside factory spec — keep alignment within reasonable bounds for safe street use.

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