Which Vanagon and Bus years does this clutch kit fit, and how do I know it's compatible with my model?

Our clutch kit works with most Volkswagen Bus and Vanagon models from 1972-1991. To double-check fitment, just match your vehicle's year and engine type with the product description's compatibility chart. Owners of both air-cooled (up through 1983) and water-cooled Vanagons up to 1991 have found these kits to bolt right up. Several customer reviews highlight a perfect fit for everything from daily-driven Westfalias to Syncro campers. If you're uncertain, GoWesty's customer support is always happy to help confirm compatibility for your specific rig.

Should I go with the standard or heavy-duty clutch kit for my Bus or Vanagon?

Choosing between the standard and heavy-duty clutch kit depends on your driving style and where you take your Bus or Vanagon. The standard kit is ideal for daily driving, road trips, and city use—it gives a factory pedal feel and smooth engagement. The heavy-duty kit, with its beefier disc and heavier-duty pressure plate, is perfect for folks tackling steep hills, hauling gear, or venturing off-road. Many Syncro and camper owners appreciate the heavy-duty option for extra grab and longevity in rough conditions, though it does give a slightly firmer pedal feel. If you stick to highways or gentle back roads, standard is often more than enough.

What’s included in each GoWesty clutch kit, and should I install it myself or have a pro do it?

Each GoWesty clutch kit comes with all the vital components you need: clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, pilot bearing, and even alignment tools. Everything’s top quality, backed by GoWesty's reputation and real-world customer feedback. While handy DIYers with garage tools and a manual can tackle installation, keep in mind that replacing a clutch—even with our clear instructions—requires dropping the transmission. If you’re not experienced with this, especially with the heavier-duty disc and flywheel from the HD kit, most owners recommend professional installation for smooth trouble-free operation. Either way, you’ll have all the right parts and GoWesty's tech support if you need a hand.

Complete Clutch Kits (Standard & Heavy-Duty) [Bus/Vanagon]

Name: Heavy-Duty Complete Clutch Kits (Standard & Heavy-Duty) [Bus/Vanagon]
SKU: CLUTCH-KIT-HD-1
Price: 349.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Complete automotive clutch kit with disc, pressure plate, release bearing, and alignment tool on white background

Complete Clutch Kits (Standard & Heavy-Duty) [Bus/Vanagon]

Product:	CLUTCH-KIT
Works With:	1976-1991
Manufacturer:	Quality Aftermarket
Availability:	Low Stock
Wrench Rating:	Requires a full tool set and broad mechanical knowledge.

$248.95

Does this part fit your vehicle? Log in to your account & update your profile!

Are you looking for a complete 228mm clutch kit for your Bus or Vanagon? We've got your bases covered with three performance options to suit your driving needs. Read on!

Fits:
• 1976-79 Type II Bus
• 1980-91 Vanagon (2WD and 4WD) Does NOT fit diesel Vanagon*

*Note: The pilot bearing and seal included in this kit does not apply to GoWesty engines. The crankshaft in all our engines is designed to accept a wider, self-sealed bearing - Available here.

Available options:

Standard Clutch Kit: This top-quality kit is made by the OEM manufacturer, Sachs, and comes with their standard pressure plate, clutch disc, release (“throw out”) bearing, pilot bearing*, felt dust seal*, and alignment tool. We recommend this option for general use: mostly freeway driving, not much hilly terrain, and no off-road.

Heavy-Duty Clutch Kit: This kit includes everything in the Sachs standard clutch kit, except the pressure plate, which is replaced with a Kennedy Engineering (KEP) Heavy-Duty unit. The clutch pedal effort increases by about 20%. Can be bothersome in lots of stop-and-go traffic, but highly recommended for hilly terrain (like San Francisco), off-road driving (especially in deep sand), and especially when running a higher-output engine.

5 stars: 15 (94%)
4 stars: 1 (6%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

Felt ring big

I’m not sure if the felt ring to retain grease from the pilot bearing was supposed to be too large for the flywheel, but it was. I jammed it in and it buckled a little to fit. Should be okay since it only retains grease…. The KEP clutch I received had some staining on different parts on each side like maybe water sat on it in storage. The flex plate looked good. Sachs. Just needed to be dusted. Looking forward to feeling out the new clutch once I finish reattaching the transmission.

Heavy-duty clutches

Quality parts. Clutch assembly slipped together like a champ. Original clutch disk was still good, but was changing out the transmission. Mechanic was impressed with the extra beefy disk. Never a bad idea, he said to upgrade. Looking forward to long service life in the Pac NW and beyond. Never know whether it’s heavy loads, traffic, hills, or difficult access campsites there are. You gotta do a lot of clutching.

What a positive difference!

I bought the heavy duty. Glad I did. Definitely a little harder push on the clutch pedal, but worth it.

WoooooHooooo

It's a clutch kit haha pretty simple install. My only wish would be that there was a note or something with the felt washer. My mechanic threw it away

Clutch job

Everything you need to do a bit of a PITA job!

Getting close

Working on my van, gowesty parts always done me right. This new clutch is just what I needed!

Fits right in

Quality kit

Ready

Its not time yet, but I’m getting ready

clutch kit

Not installed yet.

Good People

The world to be perfectly fair is an ideology but people have to decide what is fair or not in transactions. GoWesty has been supportive, fair and I feel very honest with me. That is something worth more than money. 1991 Westphalia bottom-up rebuild and upgrades - they were fair ALL the way through..... M

Best Clutch Kit

Definitely not easy install, what clutch install it, but instructions and kit was pretty straight forward and has worked great!

Heavy Duty Phase 2

Much improved grab over OEM. I was worried the pressure plate would be hard to push down but was happy to find the extra pressure was not noticeable at the pedal.

Clutch Kit

Best clutch kit available! It came with everything you need to install into your van.

Sachs clutch works great

High quality clutch kit! Van feels great now with no more chatter

Fast !!!

Wow fast and great !! Miss the cookie lol

Complete Clutch Kit

My new clutch is wonderful. Heading to the Eastern Sierra's for fun and fishing.
Easy ordering and quick delivery.

Complete Clutch Kits (Standard & Heavy-Duty) [Bus/Vanagon]

Complete Clutch Kits (Standard & Heavy-Duty) [Bus/Vanagon] Wrench Rating

All Wrench Ratings

Your cart is empty

Your cart is empty

When should we send your message?

Complete Clutch Kits (Standard & Heavy-Duty) [Bus/Vanagon]

Complete Clutch Kits (Standard & Heavy-Duty) [Bus/Vanagon] Wrench Rating

All Wrench Ratings

RELATED PRODUCTS

Flywheel (Forged) [Bus/Vanagon]

Starter (Automatic Trans) [Early Bus/Vanagon]

Clutch Pressure Plate (Standard & Heavy-Duty) [Bus/Vanagon]

Starter (Manual Transmission) [Vanagon]

Clutch Disc (228mm) [Bus/Vanagon]

Clutch Cross Shaft (Heavy Duty)

Clutch Slave Cylinder

Shifter Fix Kit [Vanagon]

Clutch Master Cylinder [Vanagon]

Clutch Cross-Shaft Bushing Kit [Bus/Vanagon]

Clutch Throwout Bearing

Clutch Slave Cylinder Hose [2WD]

Clutch Slave Cylinder Hose [Syncro]

Clutch Pedal Fix Kit

Flywheel & Flexplate Bolt (Pack of 5) [Bus/Vanagon]

Pilot Bearing (GoWesty Waterboxer) [Vanagon]

Pilot Bearing for Clutch Input Shaft [Bus/Vanagon]

Starter Hardware (Manual Transmission) [Late Bus/Vanagon]

Clutch Alignment Tool

Flywheel & Flexplate O-Ring (DuroGreen) [Bus/Vanagon]

Felt Pilot Bearing Seal [Bus/Vanagon]