What is a pressure plate? Why buy one? If I buy a clutch kit from Andy's, do I also need to buy a pressure plate separately?
Pressure plates are an integral part of your drivetrain. The job of a pressure plate is to apply clamping force to your clutch friction disc allowing the engine to transmit power to the transmission. When your foot is on the clutch pedal the pressure plate releases its clamping pressure allowing the engine to turn freely from the transmission, but as soon you lift your foot from the clutch pedal, the pressure plate clamps back down. However in certain cases such as with modified vehicles a stock pressure plate is unable to handle the strain and will allow the clutch to slip. For these applications high performance pressure plates are available that provide increased clamping force to handle uprated engines that are pumping out increased horsepower. The improved clamping force keeps the clutch from slipping and allows you to put all the power to the ground. Some of these pressure plates are also lighter weight, which reduces rotational mass and allows your motor to spool up faster.

Normally, purchasing a clutch kit means that you will not have to purchase a pressure plate separately. The vast majority of the clutch kits here at Andy’s come complete with both a pressure plate and clutch disc. These items are commonly packaged together because it is important that you run a clutch disc and pressure plate that are compatible with one another. As with most things there are a few exceptions to the rule, so when you buy your clutch kit be sure to double check the parts list to ensure that it includes a pressure plate. If you are looking to mix and match performance clutch discs and heavy duty pressure plates you may have to purchase the items separately instead of in kit form.