Air Cleaner Element, Rectangular, 2-1/2 Tall

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the longevity and peak performance of your air-cooled engine, the quality of the air being sucked into your carburetor is everything. This EMPI Rectangular Air Cleaner Element is specifically engineered to provide superior filtration without sacrificing the high-volume airflow required by performance-oriented setups. Designed as a direct replacement for the standard elements found in most rectangular air cleaner assemblies, this 2-1/2 inch tall filter provides the extra surface area needed to keep your engine breathing easy even in dusty environments. Whether you are cruising the strip in a classic Beetle or tearing up the dunes in a custom sand rail, this element ensures that harmful particulates are trapped long before they can reach your cylinder walls or foul your carburetor jets.

What sets this particular element apart is its high-quality washable gauze construction. Unlike cheap paper filters that must be discarded once they become clogged, this performance element is designed to be cleaned, re-oiled, and reused for years of reliable service. The multi-layer cotton gauze media is sandwiched between a durable wire mesh to maintain its structural integrity under high vacuum pressure, preventing the filter from collapsing or distorting. This is the ideal upgrade for enthusiasts running Weber Progressive, DGV, or DFEV carburetor setups who demand a filter that matches the performance capabilities of their induction system. By choosing a washable element, you are not only investing in better protection for your VW engine but also ensuring that you won''t be hunting for a replacement part every time you perform a routine tune-up.

FITMENT

This air cleaner element is designed for use with rectangular air cleaner housings commonly found on the following applications:

• Carburetor Compatibility: Fits Weber Progressive, EMPI Progressive, Holley 5200, DGV, DGAV, and DFEV series carburetors.
• Volkswagen Beetle: All years equipped with progressive carburetor conversions.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years utilizing rectangular performance air cleaners.
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1979 models with upgraded induction systems.
• Volkswagen Type 3: Notchback, Squareback, and Fastback models.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All years.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any custom air-cooled VW build using a standard EMPI-style rectangular housing.
• Kit Cars: Bradley GT, Sterling, and other VW-based kit replicas.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 1600-11
• Filter Material: Multi-layer Washable Cotton Gauze
• Overall Height: 2-1/2 Inches (63.5mm)
• Long Dimension (Length): 6-3/4 Inches
• Short Dimension (Width): 4-1/2 Inches
• Shape: Rectangular with rounded corners
• Construction: Wire-mesh reinforced for maximum durability
• Compatibility: Replacement for standard 2-1/2 inch tall rectangular assemblies

PRO TIPS

Proper Oiling is Critical: Because this is a gauze-style filter, it relies on a specialized air filter oil to trap the finest dust particles. After washing the element with a dedicated cleaner and letting it air dry completely, apply a uniform coat of filter oil. Be careful not to over-saturate it; you want a consistent color across the media without oil dripping off. Over-oiling can lead to oil being sucked into the carburetor, which may gum up your air air correction jets and affect your idle quality.

Check Your Clearance: Before installing the 2-1/2 inch tall element, ensure you have adequate hood or decklid clearance. While the extra height provides better airflow than the shorter 2-inch versions, some Type 1 engines with high-rise manifolds or certain Bus engine compartments may have tight tolerances. Always do a "clay test" or carefully lower your lid to ensure the air cleaner top isn''t making contact with the bodywork, which can cause vibration or paint damage.

Maintain a Perfect Seal: When installing the element into your chrome or stainless rectangular housing, inspect the rubber sealing surfaces on the top and bottom of the filter. These must be seated firmly against the housing plates to prevent "dirty" air from bypassing the filter. If your housing plates are warped from over-tightening the center nut in the past, gently straighten them on a flat surface before installation to ensure a 100% airtight seal around the perimeter of the gauze.