EMPI Leaf Spring Plate

EMPI Leaf Spring Plates: Precision Suspension for Air-Cooled Volkswagens

EMPI (Engineered Motor Products, Inc.) has been a cornerstone of the air-cooled Volkswagen community since its founding in 1956. Born from Joe Vittone's drive to engineer better solutions for VW owners in Southern California, EMPI grew from a single dealership innovation into one of the most trusted names in classic VW parts worldwide. When it comes to rear suspension components like leaf spring plates, EMPI brings that same decades-long engineering philosophy to one of the most performance-critical areas of your classic VW's chassis.

What EMPI Spring Plates Do — and Why They Matter

On air-cooled Volkswagens, the rear suspension relies on a torsion bar system rather than traditional coil or leaf springs. The spring plate is the key link in this system: it slides over the rear torsion bar and connects the rear axle or trailing arm to the torsion bar, transmitting suspension loads and defining your car's ride height. A worn, bent, or non-adjustable spring plate can mean sagging ride height, uneven handling, and accelerated bushing wear. Upgrading to EMPI's adjustable spring plates is one of the most effective ways to restore — or improve — rear suspension geometry on classic VW platforms.

EMPI's Adjustable Spring Plate Design

EMPI's adjustable spring plates stand out from stock replacements because they incorporate an adjuster block that allows you to fine-tune your car's rear ride height after installation. Whether you're compensating for a heavier engine build, setting up for weekend dune driving, or simply correcting years of sag, the adjustable design provides approximately 2 inches of ride height adjustment once installed. EMPI offers fitment-specific options across the most popular classic VW platforms:

• Swing Axle Spring Plates — Available for 1954–1968 Beetles and Karmann Ghias, as well as 1961–1968 Type 3 models, in multiple torsion bar collar sizes to match the factory or custom bar length in your application.
• IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) Spring Plates — Designed for 1968–1979 Beetles, Super Beetles, and Karmann Ghias, including specific fitments for the VW Thing (Type 181), covering both standard and long torsion bar configurations.

EMPI's adjustable plates are thicker than factory single spring plates but thinner than dual-plate setups, meaning proper spacers or washers may be required during installation depending on your vehicle's original configuration. The plates require upgraded bushing sizes — 2" I.D. inner and 1-7/8" I.D. outer spring plate bushings — as stock rubber bushings are not compatible with the adjustable design.

Built for Enthusiasts, Trusted by Builders

EMPI's reputation in the spring plate category reflects the broader legacy of the brand: practical, engineered solutions for real-world VW builds. From daily-driven Beetles to sand rail and dune buggy applications, EMPI adjustable spring plates are used by restorers and performance builders alike. Their silver-painted finish, heavy-duty steel construction, and precise collar sizing make them a dependable upgrade over worn or single-position stock plates.

Browse the full range of leaf spring plates available, or explore everything EMPI offers across suspension, drivetrain, and engine categories to find the right parts for your classic VW project.