Oval Air Cleaner, 2 Inlet, 4.5x7 Oval, 2.75 Tall

Product Overview

Elevate your air-cooled engine''s performance and aesthetics with the EMPI Oval Air Cleaner, a staple for any serious VW enthusiast looking to optimize airflow without sacrificing style. This premium air cleaner features a high-flow, washable red gauze element that provides superior filtration compared to restrictive stock paper filters, ensuring that your carburetor breathes nothing but clean, turbulent-free air. The triple-chrome plated top plate adds a mirror-like finish to your engine bay, making it the perfect centerpiece for show cars, daily drivers, and rugged off-road builds alike. Designed specifically for upright engine configurations, this assembly balances a compact footprint with a large surface area, allowing for maximum oxygen intake which is critical for maintaining the proper air-fuel ratio in high-performance environments.

Engineered for durability and ease of installation, this unit features a super-strong molded pliable rubber flange base designed to absorb the constant vibrations inherent in the horizontally opposed air-cooled engine design. This flexible base ensures a vacuum-tight seal against the carburetor neck, preventing "dirty" air from bypassing the filter element. Whether you are running a Weber Progressive carburetor on a street-bound Beetle or a custom setup on a sand rail, the 2-inch inlet provides a secure fit. The inclusion of an optional vent tube allows for easy integration with your engine''s crankcase ventilation system, helping to maintain internal pressure balance while keeping your engine bay free of oily residue. It is a robust, functional upgrade that delivers the classic EMPI look with modern filtration technology.

Vehicle and Carburetor Fitment

• Weber Carburetors: Specifically designed for Weber 32/36 DGV, DGAV, and DFEV Progressive carburetors.
• Holley Carburetors: Fits Holley 5200 series and other carburetors with a standard 2-inch (52mm) mounting neck.
• Volkswagen Beetle: All years with upright engines equipped with compatible progressive carburetors.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: Fits under the low-profile decklid of Type 1 Ghias with 2-inch neck carbs.
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: Ideal for Type 2 models (1950-1971) with upright engine conversions.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): Perfect for rugged off-road use and improved dust filtration.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Universal application for any custom air-cooled rail or fiberglass buggy using a 2-inch inlet.

Technical Specifications

• Filter Shape: Oval design for maximum clearance and surface area.
• Base Inlet Diameter: 2.00 Inches (approx. 50.8mm).
• Overall Width: 4-7/16 Inches (4.43").
• Overall Length: 6-7/8 Inches (6.87").
• Overall Height: 2-3/4 Inches (2.75").
• Filter Media: Red multi-layer cotton gauze (washable and reusable).
• Top Plate Material: Stamped steel with high-luster triple chrome plating.
• Base Material: Pliable, vibration-dampening molded rubber.
• Ventilation: Includes a removable 1/2-inch plastic vent tube for crankcase breathing.
• Hardware: Includes one heavy-duty stainless steel worm-gear clamp.

Pro Tips from the Appletree Garage

Tip 1: Proper Oiling is Critical

While these gauze filters are washable, they are not "dry" filters. After cleaning the element with a dedicated filter cleaner and allowing it to air dry completely, you must apply a high-quality filter oil. The oil is what actually traps the microscopic dust particles that can score your cylinder walls. However, the golden rule here is "less is more." Apply a light, even coat until the gauze is uniform in color; over-oiling can lead to oil being sucked into the carburetor jets, causing stumbling and poor idle performance. Always let the oil "tack up" for 20 minutes before starting the engine.

Tip 2: Managing Decklid Clearance

The 2.75-inch height of this oval cleaner is specifically designed to provide a low profile, but on some Type 1 Beetles with high-rise manifolds or Weber Progressive setups, clearance between the air cleaner and the decklid can be tight. Before slamming your decklid shut for the first time, place a small ball of aluminum foil or plumber''s putty on top of the air cleaner. Close the lid gently, then open it to check how much the material was compressed. If you have less than 1/4 inch of clearance, consider using a decklid standoff kit to provide better airflow and prevent the chrome top from vibrating against your paint.

Tip 3: Utilizing the Crankcase Vent

Don''t ignore the included plastic vent tube if you are still running a stock-style oil filler or a breather box. Connecting a hose from your oil filler/breather to the inlet on the base of this air cleaner creates a "closed-loop" system. This allows the carburetor to pull a slight vacuum on the crankcase, which helps prevent oil leaks by reducing internal pressure and ensures that any blow-by gases are re-burned in the combustion chamber rather than venting oily mist all over your clean chrome engine components. If you aren''t using it, ensure the hole in the rubber base remains sealed to prevent unfiltered air from entering the carb.