EMPI Heavy Duty Aluminum IRS Side Cover — High-Torque Transaxle Reinforcement | VW Type 1 (16-9905-0)

EMPI Heavy Duty Aluminum IRS Side Cover — High-Torque Transaxle Reinforcement (16-9905-0)

The EMPI Heavy Duty Aluminum IRS Side Cover is a critical reinforcement for air-cooled Volkswagen enthusiasts running high-horsepower or high-torque engines. While factory stamped-steel covers are prone to flexing under load, this heavy-duty aluminum alloy unit provides the structural rigidity necessary to brace the ring gear and maintain precise gear mesh, significantly reducing the risk of catastrophic transaxle failure in performance street and off-road applications.

Cast with additional material thickness in high-stress areas, it is a direct bolt-on upgrade that strengthens the weakest point of the transaxle case without requiring extensive modifications.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Beetle (IRS): 1968–1979

• VW Super Beetle: 1971–1979

• VW Karmann Ghia (IRS): 1969 and later

• VW Type 3 (IRS): 1969 and later

Why Choose EMPI?

EMPI is one of the most trusted names in air-cooled VW performance. This heavy-duty side cover is engineered to address a well-known weak point of the stock transaxle, giving high-output builds the added case rigidity they need.

Key Features & Benefits

• Braces the ring gear: Prevents thrust movement and gear separation under load.

• Heavy-duty construction: Cast with extra material thickness in high-stress areas.

• Direct bolt-on: Strengthens the transaxle case with no extensive modifications.

• Performance ready: Ideal for high-horsepower street and off-road applications.

Technical Specifications

• Material: High-tensile H.D. aluminum alloy

• Function: Braces the ring gear to prevent thrust movement and gear separation

• Compatibility: IRS transaxles (Beetle, Super Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Type 3)

• Finish: Raw aluminum alloy

• Sold as: Individually (one side cover)

• Part Number: 16-9905-0

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does this fit swing axle transaxles? No. This side cover is designed specifically for IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) transaxles.

• Is it sold as a pair? No, it is sold individually as one side cover.

• Does it require modifications to install? No. It is a direct bolt-on upgrade that does not require extensive modifications.

Explore Related Categories

Transaxle Components · Drivetrain & Transmission · VW Beetle