Main Jet DGV, DFV, ICT EPC 180

OVERVIEW

Achieving the perfect air-fuel mixture is the holy grail of air-cooled engine performance, and the EMPI 180 Main Jet is a critical component in reaching that goal. When you are running a Weber DGV, DFV, or ICT series carburetoror the EMPI EPC equivalentthe main jet acts as the primary gatekeeper for fuel delivery once you transition out of the idle circuit and into the primary operating range. Whether you have recently installed a high-flow exhaust system, upgraded to a larger displacement long-block, or simply need to compensate for local atmospheric changes, having a selection of precision-drilled jets is non-negotiable for the serious tuner. This 180-sized jet provides the necessary flow for engines requiring a specific fuel curve, ensuring that your cylinders stay cool under load and your power band remains smooth and responsive throughout the entire RPM range.

Quality and precision are paramount when dealing with microscopic fuel orifices, and EMPI has engineered these jets to meet exacting tolerances for consistent flow rates. A main jet that is even slightly off-spec can lead to frustrating "flat spots" during acceleration or, even worse, a lean condition that can cause catastrophic overheating in a VW air-cooled cylinder head. These high-quality brass jets are designed for easy installation and removal, allowing for rapid trackside or garage tuning without the risk of stripping threads or damaging the carburetor body. By upgrading to the 180 main jet, you are taking direct control of your engine''s volumetric efficiency and protecting your investment from the dangers of detonation and pre-ignition. Don''t settle for "close enough" when it comes to your fueling; use the components that professional air-cooled engine builders trust for consistent, repeatable results in every driving condition.

FITMENT

This 180 Main Jet is designed for use with the following carburetor models and Volkswagen applications:

• Compatible Carburetor Models: Weber 32/36 DGV, 32/36 DGAV, 32/36 DGEV, 32/36 DFV, 32/36 DFAV, 32/36 DFEV, Weber 34 ICT, and EMPI 34 EPC Series.
• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle, Karmann Ghia, and Thing (1954-1979) equipped with aftermarket Weber or EPC progressive/single carb kits.
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, and Westfalia (1950-1979) running ICT or DGV series carburetion.
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback models utilizing dual ICT or EPC carburetor setups.
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Trikes using air-cooled VW upright or pancake engines with Weber-style fueling.

SPECS

• Jet Type: Main Jet (Primary/Secondary Circuit).
• Jet Size: 180 (1.80mm precision-drilled orifice).
• Material: High-grade machined brass for corrosion resistance and thermal stability.
• Part Number: 73801.180.
• Thread Pitch: Standard Weber DGV/ICT/EPC metric thread.
• Compatibility: Suitable for both single and dual carburetor configurations.
• Quantity: Sold individually (1 unit per package).

PRO TIPS

1. Always Tune from Rich to Lean

When you are searching for the perfect main jet size, it is a fundamental rule of air-cooled engine building to start with a jet that is slightly too large (rich) and work your way down. A rich condition might cause some soot on the spark plugs or a slight loss in top-end power, but a lean condition can melt a piston in seconds due to the lack of fuel-based cooling. If you suspect your engine needs more fuel at wide-open throttle, installing this 180 jet and then reading your spark plugs after a "plug chop" is the safest way to dial in your performance without risking your engine''s internal components.

2. Account for Altitude and Temperature

Carburetor tuning is never "set it and forget it" if you travel through varying elevations. If you are driving your VW from sea level up into the mountains, your engine will naturally run richer because the air is less dense. Conversely, if you have tuned your car in a high-altitude environment and then drive down to the coast, you will run dangerously lean. Always keep a jet kit that includes sizes like this 180 on hand so you can adjust your fuel delivery to match the oxygen density of your current environment, ensuring peak horsepower and engine longevity regardless of where the road takes you.

3. Inspect Your Air Correction Jets Simultaneously

The main jet does not work in a vacuum; it works in tandem with the air correction jet. The main jet controls the volume of fuel, while the air corrector controls when that fuel begins to flow and how it atomizes. If you find that the 180 main jet provides the right amount of fuel but your engine is stumbling at a specific RPM, you may need to adjust your air corrector size to change the timing of the fuel delivery. Always ensure your carburetor is clean and free of debris before swapping jets, as even a tiny speck of dirt can partially block a 180 orifice and lead to inconsistent tuning results.