Air Cleaner Element, 5-1/2 Diameter, 1-1/2 Tall, Paper

OVERVIEW

Keep your air-cooled engine breathing easy and running strong with the EMPI replacement paper air cleaner element. As any seasoned VW enthusiast knows, the lifeblood of your flat-four is clean air and consistent cooling. This high-quality paper element is designed specifically for 5-1/2 inch diameter air cleaner assemblies, providing superior filtration that traps fine dust and debris before it can ever reach your carburetor''s internal jets or, worse, your cylinder walls. Whether you are cruising the local strip in a classic Beetle or navigating the dusty trails in a custom woods buggy, maintaining a fresh air filter is the simplest and most effective way to prevent premature engine wear and maintain optimal fuel atomization. This element is a direct replacement for the filters found in many popular aftermarket chrome air cleaner kits, ensuring a perfect seal and unrestricted airflow for your vintage Volkswagen.

Engineered for versatility and performance, this 1-1/2 inch tall element offers the perfect balance between filtration surface area and engine bay clearance. It is the go-to choice for owners running the iconic Weber Progressive carburetor setups or those utilizing low-profile chrome air cleaners on stock Solex carburetors. Unlike foam filters that can degrade over time or oil-soaked gauze filters that require messy cleaning and re-oiling, this pleated paper design provides a reliable, "set-it-and-forget-it" solution for the daily driver or weekend warrior. By choosing this EMPI genuine replacement part, you are ensuring that your induction system remains free of contaminants, which translates to a smoother idle, better throttle response, and the long-term reliability that Appletree Automotive customers have come to expect for their air-cooled investments.

FITMENT

This air cleaner element is designed to fit a wide variety of air-cooled Volkswagen models and aftermarket carburetor configurations, including:

• Volkswagen Beetle: All years equipped with 5-1/2 inch diameter aftermarket air cleaners.
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979 models.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years utilizing 5-1/2 inch air cleaner assemblies.
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1971 (1600cc upright engines).
• Volkswagen Type 3: Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback models.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974 models.
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes using Weber Progressive (DGV / DFEV) or stock carburetors with EMPI 00-9183-0 or 00-9184-0 air cleaner housings.

SPECS

• Outer Diameter: 5-1/2 Inches.
• Height: 1-1/2 Inches.
• Filter Material: High-efficiency pleated paper media.
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 00-9185-0.
• Replacement Type: Fits EMPI air cleaner assemblies 00-9183-0 and 00-9184-0.
• Design: Round, dry-element style.
• Construction: Durable rubberized top and bottom seals for a leak-free fit.

PRO TIPS

1. The Sunlight Inspection Technique: To determine if your paper element truly needs replacement, remove it from the housing and hold it up to a bright light source or the sun. If you cannot see light passing through the pleated paper, or if the paper appears dark and oily, it is restricted and needs to be swapped out immediately. Never attempt to blow out a paper filter with high-pressure compressed air, as this can create microscopic tears in the media that allow engine-killing dust to pass straight through into your intake.

2. Ensure a Proper Perimeter Seal: When installing this new 5-1/2 inch element, ensure that the top and bottom plates of your air cleaner housing are completely flat and free of old gasket residue. The rubberized edges of the EMPI element act as the seal; if your housing plates are bent from over-tightening the center wing nut, you will create an air leak that bypasses the filter entirely. Tighten the wing nut until it is snug, but do not crush the element, as this can distort the seals and lead to unfiltered "dirty" air entering your carburetor.

3. Adjust Maintenance for Your Environment: While many manuals suggest long intervals for air filter changes, air-cooled VWs often operate in harsher conditions than modern vehicles. If you drive your Bug or Bus in a dry, dusty climate or on gravel roads, check this element every 1,500 miles. A clogged filter acts like a partial choke, richening your fuel mixture, which leads to carbon buildup on your valves and spark plugs, and can significantly decrease your fuel economy. A fresh $10 filter is the cheapest insurance policy you can buy for a $5,000 engine build.