EMPI Heavy Duty IRS Spring Plates — 6-1/8" Collar, Pair | VW Beetle 1972–1979 (18-1074-0)

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

The EMPI Heavy Duty IRS Spring Plates are the definitive replacement for late-model 1972–1979 Volkswagens. These high-strength plates replace the original factory single spring plate style, offering a more robust and rigid foundation for your rear suspension — whether you are restoring a stock daily driver or building a performance street machine.

Engineered with a 6 1/8" collar, these plates are a precise match for 26 9/16" torsion bars. The heavy-gauge steel construction resists flexing and fatigue far better than aging OE units, making them an essential part of any late-model Type 1 rear-end refresh.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Beetle (Type 1, IRS): 1972–1979
• Karmann Ghia: 1972–1974

Why Choose EMPI?

EMPI machines these heavy-gauge steel plates as a direct replacement for the factory single spring plate, giving late-model IRS Beetles a more rigid, fatigue-resistant rear end than worn OE units.

Key Features & Benefits

• Direct replacement: Upgrades the factory single spring plate style
• Heavy-gauge steel: Resists flexing and fatigue better than aging OE
• Consistent alignment: More predictable handling under load
• Matched pair: Left and right supplied together

Technical Specifications

• Suspension type: IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) only
• Collar size: 6 1/8" (for 26 9/16" torsion bars)
• Design: Heavy-duty replacement for the factory single spring plate style
• Sold as: Matched pair (left and right)
• Part number: 18-1074-0

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are these sold individually or as a pair? Sold as a matched pair (left and right).
• What collar and torsion bar size do these use? A 6 1/8" collar, matched for 26 9/16" torsion bars.
• What do these replace? They replace the factory single spring plate style used on 1972–1979 IRS Volkswagens.

Explore Related Categories

Shop more parts for your build: VW Beetle VW Karmann Ghia Suspension