8 Pass Oil Cooler Kit, with Treaded Fittings

Product Overview

Heat is the ultimate enemy of any air-cooled Volkswagen engine. When you are pushing your flat-four to the limitswhether it is cruising down the highway in a heavy Bay Window Bus or carving dunes in a high-compression Sand Railmaintaining stable oil temperatures is the difference between a long-lasting engine and a catastrophic failure. The EMPI 8-Pass Oil Cooler Kit with Threaded Fittings is a professional-grade solution designed to drastically increase your engine''s cooling capacity. Unlike inferior "plate style" coolers that can suffer from significant pressure drops, this kit utilizes a high-efficiency 8-pass design with 1/2-inch copper tubing and aluminum cooling fins. The standout feature is the mechanically expanded construction; the copper tubes are physically stretched during manufacturing to ensure a perfect, 360-degree thermal contact with the aluminum fins. This maximizes heat dissipation while maintaining the oil flow velocity necessary to keep your bearings lubricated and your case temperatures in check.

This is not just a cooler; it is a comprehensive thermal management system for your VW. This kit includes the EMPI dual oil pressure booster kit, which helps maintain consistent oil pressure even as temperatures fluctuate, and an oil filter bypass adapter that allows you to move your filtration away from the engine block for easier maintenance and better cooling. The remote filter bracket and high-temperature 1/2-inch hose provide the flexibility needed for custom mounting in the most efficient airflow locations. By relocating the oil filter and adding this 8-pass cooler, you are significantly increasing the total oil capacity of your system, which provides a larger thermal "sink" to absorb heat during high-load conditions. Whether you are running a stock 1600cc or a built stroker motor, this kit provides the peace of mind that your investment is protected by one of the most trusted names in the air-cooled industry.

Fitment and Applications

This EMPI 8-pass oil cooler kit is designed for universal application across the most popular air-cooled Volkswagen platforms. Please verify your specific engine case and clearance requirements before installation.

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle, Karmann Ghia, and Sunroof models through 1974.
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, and Kombi models through 1971.
• Volkswagen Type 181: The Thing (All years).
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Kit Cars using Type 1 upright engine configurations.

Technical Specifications

Engineered for maximum durability and thermal efficiency, the EMPI 00-9221-0 features the following technical specifications:

• Cooler Design: 8-Pass high-performance configuration.
• Tubing Material: 1/2-inch heavy-duty copper tubing for superior corrosion resistance and heat transfer.
• Fin Material: Lightweight aluminum cooling fins for rapid heat dissipation.
• Construction Type: Mechanically expanded tubes for maximum fin-to-tube contact.
• Fittings: 1/2-inch NPT male threads on the cooler for secure, leak-free connections.
• Overall Dimensions: 12 inches Long x 5 inches Wide x 3-1/2 inches Tall.
• Pressure Booster: Includes EMPI Dual Oil Pressure Booster Kit (P/N 9202).
• Bypass Adapter: Includes Oil Filter Bypass (P/N 9203).
• Hose Rating: Includes High-Temperature Oil Hose (P/N 9210).
• Filter Compatibility: Includes Remote Filter Bracket (Accepts standard VW-style spin-on filters).

Master Specialist Pro Tips

1. Optimize Airflow and Mounting Orientation

To get the most out of an 8-pass cooler, mounting location is everything. For Beetles and Ghias, many builders prefer mounting the cooler over the transaxle where it can catch "dirty" air moving under the car, but for maximum efficiency, we recommend using a scoop or mounting it in a location with direct, high-velocity airflow. When mounting, ensure the fittings are facing sideways or upwards to prevent air pockets from being trapped inside the copper loops. If you mount it horizontally, make sure there is at least an inch of clearance behind the aluminum fins so the heat has somewhere to escape. Never mount the cooler directly against a solid metal surface without a gap, as this will heat-soak the mounting area and reduce the cooler''s effectiveness by half.

2. Proper Hose Routing and Vibration Protection

The high-temperature hose included in this kit is robust, but the vibrations of a VW engine and the movement of the chassis can cause "sawing" if the hoses are allowed to rub against sharp metal edges or the engine tin. Always use rubber grommets when passing hoses through the firewall or engine tin. We also strongly recommend using cushioned P-clamps to secure the lines every 12 to 18 inches. When routing the lines, avoid sharp 90-degree bends which can create flow restriction and pressure drops; instead, use wide, sweeping curves. Double-check that your lines are nowhere near the exhaust header or heater boxes, as even high-temp hoses can degrade if they are subjected to direct radiant heat from the exhaust system.

3. The Importance of the Dual Pressure Booster

Many enthusiasts overlook the dual oil pressure booster kit included in this package, but it is a critical component. When you add an external cooler and remote filter, the oil has a longer path to travel, which can theoretically impact pressure at the bearings. The EMPI booster kit replaces the stock relief springs and plungers to ensure that the oil pressure remains high enough to move through the external 8-pass circuit while still providing priority lubrication to the internal engine components. When installing the booster, ensure the bores in the engine case are clean and free of burrs so the new plungers move freely. This setup ensures that even on cold starts, your engine receives proper lubrication before the oil is diverted through the cooling fins.