22mm Buggy Master Cylinder With Small Billet Reservoir

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your stopping power with the EMPI 22mm Buggy Master Cylinder, a powerhouse component specifically engineered for the unique demands of off-road sand rails and custom dune buggies. Built on the rugged architecture of the classic Volkswagen Type 2 Bus master cylinder, this 22mm bore unit provides a significant increase in fluid displacement compared to standard 17mm or 19mm Beetle counterparts. This added volume is essential when running four-wheel disc brake setups or large-piston calipers that require more fluid to engage effectively. By utilizing this heavy-duty master cylinder, you achieve a firmer pedal feel and a shorter stroke, ensuring that your braking response is immediate and reliable whether you are carving through dunes or navigating technical trails. It is the go-to choice for builders who have moved beyond stock configurations and need a hydraulic system that can keep up with high-performance braking hardware.

This master cylinder isn''t just about raw performance; it is also designed for maximum convenience and a high-end aesthetic in open-chassis vehicles. It features a precision-machined, small-diameter billet aluminum reservoir that screws directly into the master cylinder body. This integrated design eliminates the need for remote reservoirs, complex hose routing, or brittle plastic tanks that can crack over time under heavy UV exposure or vibration. The compact footprint of the billet reservoir makes it an ideal choice for tight frames and minimalist buggy cockpits where every inch of clearance counts. Sold as a complete assembly, this master cylinder is a professional-grade solution for builders who demand a clean, show-quality finish without sacrificing the mechanical integrity required for serious off-road abuse.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950-1977 (Custom Buggy/Sand Rail Applications)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974 (Custom Applications)
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1950-1966 (Direct Replacement/Upgrade)
• Dune Buggies: All years (Meyers Manx, Berry, Sand Rail, etc.)
• Custom Builds: Ideal for any air-cooled VW-based chassis using a standard 2-bolt mounting pattern.

SPECS

• Bore Diameter: 22mm (Increased volume for disc brake conversions)
• Master Cylinder Style: Type 2 Bus (Early style body)
• Reservoir Material: CNC-Machined Billet Aluminum
• Body Material: High-Strength Cast Iron
• Thread Pitch: M10 x 1.0 (Standard VW brake line fittings)
• Mounting Pattern: Standard 2-Bolt VW
• Inlet Style: Direct-mount screw-in reservoir
• Compatibility: Suitable for 2-wheel or 4-wheel disc and drum setups
• Finish: Natural Cast and Polished Billet

PRO TIPS

1. Always Bench Bleed Before Installation

Because the 22mm bore moves a significant amount of fluid, it is absolutely critical to bench bleed this master cylinder before you ever bolt it to your chassis. If you attempt to bleed the system solely using the brake pedal after installation, you run the risk of trapping air in the upper corners of the cylinder bore that the pedal stroke cannot easily displace. Use a dedicated bench bleeding kit with hoses that loop back into the reservoir. Slowly cycle the piston until no air bubbles are visible in the lines. This ensures a rock-solid pedal from the very first pump and prevents the frustration of "spongy" brakes that are often blamed on the calipers but are actually caused by air in the master cylinder.

2. Understand the Trade-off of a Larger Bore

When upgrading from a standard 19mm master cylinder to this 22mm unit, you need to be prepared for a change in pedal feel. A larger bore diameter moves more fluid with less physical travel (shorter stroke), but it requires more leg effort to generate the same amount of hydraulic pressure at the wheels. This is perfect for off-roaders who want a firm, "race-car" feel and immediate engagement. However, if you find the pedal effort is too high for your liking, ensure you are using a brake pedal with a proper mechanical leverage ratio. This master cylinder is best paired with high-performance brake pads that have a high coefficient of friction to balance out the manual effort required.

3. Maintain the Billet Reservoir Seal

The billet aluminum reservoir included with this kit uses a high-quality O-ring seal at the base where it threads into the master cylinder. During installation, apply a tiny drop of clean brake fluid to this O-ring to ensure it seats perfectly and doesn''t "bunch" as you tighten the reservoir down. Furthermore, because this is a small-volume reservoir, you must monitor your fluid levels more closely than you would with a massive stock plastic tank. As your brake pads wear down, the calipers will hold more fluid, causing the level in the reservoir to drop. Check the level every few trips to the dunes to ensure you never suck air into the system during steep descents or hard cornering.