Push Rod Tube, Windage Style Fits 13-1600 & Up Type 1

OVERVIEW

When you''re pushing your air-cooled Volkswagen through tight corners or navigating off-road terrain, oil management becomes a critical factor in engine longevity and consistent performance. Standard pushrod tubes allow oil to slosh freely from the crankcase into the cylinder heads during hard maneuvers, which can lead to temporary oil starvation at the pickup and excessive oil buildup in the valvetrain area. This EMPI Windage Style Push Rod Tube is engineered specifically to combat this issue for high-performance and spirited driving applications. By featuring an extended neck that protrudes further into the engine case, it acts as a functional baffle, significantly reducing the volume of oil that can enter the tube during lateral G-loading. This ensures that your oil stays in the sump where it belongs, providing consistent lubrication to the bearings and better cooling for the entire case assembly.

Crafted with precision and finished with a protective coating for long-term durability, these tubes are a vital upgrade for any 1300cc to 1600cc based Type 1 engine build. Whether you are restoring a classic Beetle, building a high-revving Karmann Ghia, or assembling a rugged dune buggy for the sand, the windage style tube offers a level of protection that stock tubes simply cannot match. The high-quality construction ensures a perfect seating surface against your engine case and cylinder head seals, preventing the frustrating oil leaks that often plague older, rusted, or bent factory tubes. Replacing your tubes during an engine overhaul is a standard best practice, and choosing the windage style provides a performance advantage that pays dividends every time you hit the throttle or dive into a sharp turn. Sold individually, these tubes are a cost-effective insurance policy for your engine''s internal health and overall reliability.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1966-1977 (1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc engines)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1966-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1966-1971 (Type 1 upright engines)
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Fits all 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based Type 1 engine cases, including oversized performance stroker builds.
• Off-Road: Ideal for Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Baja Bugs using Type 1 powerplants.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 311-109-335W (Reference: 98-8629-B)
• Style: Windage (Extended Case End)
• Material: Heavy-duty stamped steel
• Finish: Zinc plated for corrosion resistance and longevity
• Engine Compatibility: Type 1, 2, and 3 (1300cc-1600cc+)
• Quantity: Sold individually (8 required for a complete engine)
• Design: Accordion-style bellows for thermal expansion and contraction

PRO TIPS

Proper Orientation is Critical

When installing windage-style pushrod tubes, the orientation is the most important step for the baffle to function correctly. The extended end of the tube MUST be installed into the engine case side, not the cylinder head side. The goal is to create a "chimney" effect inside the case that stands above the oil level during cornering. If you accidentally install these with the extended end in the cylinder head, you won''t gain any windage benefits and may actually interfere with the rocker arm geometry or oil drainage from the head back to the case. Always double-check your direction before sliding the cylinder heads onto the studs.

Sealing and Lubrication Techniques

To ensure a leak-free seal that lasts for years, always use high-quality Viton or silicone pushrod tube seals. Before installation, apply a very light film of engine oil or a dedicated seal lubricant to the rubber seals. This allows the seals to slide into the bores of the case and the head without binding, twisting, or tearing. A twisted seal is the number one cause of "mystery leaks" on a freshly built engine. Additionally, ensure the seating surfaces on your engine case and heads are perfectly clean and free of old gasket material or burrs that could compromise the integrity of the new seal.

Checking for Proper "Spring" Tension

Before you final-torque your cylinder heads, verify that the pushrod tubes are seated firmly. The accordion or bellows section of the tube is designed to provide a slight spring tension, which keeps the seals compressed as the engine heats up and the cylinders expand. If you are using long-stroke crankshafts or cylinder spacers (shims), you may need to slightly stretch the tubes to ensure they maintain adequate pressure against the seals. Be careful not to over-stretch them; you want a firm fit that requires a small amount of pressure to seat the head, ensuring the seals remain energized throughout the engine''s entire thermal cycle.