Air Jet DGV, DFV, ICT, EPC 170

Precision Tuning with the EMPI .170 Air Jet

When it comes to mastering the air-fuel delivery in your air-cooled Volkswagen, the details are everything. This EMPI .170 Air Jet is a critical component for anyone running Weber or EMPI carburetors, specifically the DGV, DFV, ICT, and EPC series. As an air-cooled specialist, I can tell you that the air jet plays a pivotal role in the high-speed circuit of your carburetor. It works by bleeding air into the emulsion tube, which then mixes with the fuel pulled through the main jet. By selecting a .170 size, you are fine-tuning the "slope" of your fuel curve. This is essential for ensuring that your engine doesn''t run too rich as the RPMs climb, preventing plug fouling and ensuring that every ounce of power is squeezed out of your flat-four power plant. Whether you are running a single progressive on a stock 1600cc or dual ICTs on a punchy 1776cc, having the right air jet is the difference between a sluggish response and a crisp, high-revving machine.

EMPI has long been the gold standard for aftermarket VW performance, and their carburetor components are manufactured to exacting tolerances. This .170 air jet is no exception. It is designed to provide consistent airflow characteristics, which is vital when you are trying to sync dual carburetors or dial in a complex progressive setup. In the world of air-cooled performance, heat and altitude are your constant enemies. If you find your Beetle or Bus is struggling at higher elevations or "stumbling" during high-speed cruising, it is often the air jet that needs adjustment. Replacing a worn or incorrectly sized jet with this high-quality brass component ensures that your carburetor''s venturi effect is optimized for your specific engine configuration. Don''t settle for "close enough" when it comes to your jetting; use the precision of EMPI to keep your vintage VW running cooler, smoother, and faster.

Vehicle and Carburetor Fitment

This .170 air jet is versatile and fits a wide range of Weber-style carburetors commonly found on air-cooled Volkswagens and other vintage applications:

• Weber DGV Series: Fits the popular 32/36 DGV, DGAV, and DGEV progressive carburetors.
• Weber DFV Series: Fits the 32/36 DFV, DFAV, and DFEV mirrored-style progressive carburetors.
• Weber ICT Series: Fits the 34 ICT single-barrel carburetors, often used in dual-carb kits.
• EMPI EPC Series: Fits the EMPI 34 EPC carburetors (the high-performance ICT equivalent).
• Holley 5200 Series: Fits the Holley versions of the 32/36 progressive carburetor.
• VW Type 1 Beetle: All years equipped with the aforementioned carburetor conversions.
• VW Type 2 Bus / Transporter: Ideal for Bus owners looking to lean out their high-speed mix for highway cruising.
• VW Type 3 Fastback / Squareback: Fits dual ICT/EPC setups common on pancake engines.
• VW Karmann Ghia: Perfect for fine-tuning performance in both stock and modified configurations.

Technical Specifications and Materials

Precision engineering is at the heart of this component. Here are the technical details for the EMPI 77201.170:

• Jet Size: .170 (1.70mm calibrated orifice).
• Material: High-quality industrial-grade brass for corrosion resistance and thermal stability.
• Orifice Type: Precision-drilled and flow-tested for accuracy.
• Thread Pitch: Standard Weber/EMPI air jet threading for a drop-in fit.
• Compatibility: DGV, DFV, ICT, EPC, and 5200 series carburetors.
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 77201.170.
• Quantity: Sold individually (Each).

Pro Tips for Master Tuning

Tip 1: Understanding the Inverse Relationship

It is vital to remember that air jets work inversely to main fuel jets. While a larger main jet makes the mixture richer, a larger air jet actually makes the mixture leaner at higher RPMs. If your engine is "blubbering" or blowing black smoke at wide-open throttle (WOT) but feels fine at low speeds, you likely need to move to a larger air jet, like this .170, to introduce more air into the emulsion tube. This helps atomize the fuel more effectively as the air velocity through the carburetor increases, preventing the engine from "choking" on excess fuel during high-load scenarios.

Tip 2: Never Use Metal Probes for Cleaning

When you are servicing your carburetor or swapping jets, never, under any circumstances, use a metal wire or a welding tip cleaner to clear a clog in your air jet. The brass material is relatively soft, and even a tiny scratch inside the orifice can completely change the flow characteristics, rendering the .170 calibration inaccurate. If you suspect a clog, use only high-pressure compressed air and a dedicated carburetor cleaning solvent. If the jet remains clogged or shows signs of green oxidation (common with modern ethanol fuels), it is always safer and more cost-effective to replace it with a fresh EMPI jet rather than risking a lean or rich condition that could damage your engine.

Tip 3: The Systematic Tuning Approach

Always tune your main jets first before moving to your air jets. The air jet is designed to "fine-tune" the fuel delivery