Valve Covers, Aluminum Bolt On, Fits 1500cc & Up VW

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your air-cooled powerplant with these EMPI cast aluminum bolt-on valve covers, the ultimate solution for enthusiasts tired of the messy oil leaks associated with factory-style bail clips. While the original German design served its purpose for stock street cars, modern performance builds demand a more secure sealing surface and increased structural integrity. These covers are engineered from high-quality cast aluminum, which not only provides a superior gasket mating surface but also acts as a heat sink to help dissipate cylinder head temperatures. By switching to a bolt-on design, you eliminate the risk of a bail clip popping off during high-RPM runs or off-road jarring, ensuring that your oil stays inside the engine where it belongs. The thick flange design prevents the bowing and warping common in stamped steel covers, providing a uniform pressure across the entire gasket area.

One of the most significant advantages of these EMPI covers is the increased internal clearance they offer for performance valvetrain components. If you are running high-ratio rockers or high-lift camshafts, standard stamped steel covers often suffer from internal interference, leading to catastrophic engine failure or annoying "ticking" sounds. These cast units are designed with a deeper profile to accommodate most performance rocker arm assemblies without modification. The rugged, finned exterior doesn''t just look great in a show-quality engine bay; it adds rigidity to the casting to prevent warping under extreme heat cycles. Whether you''re building a 1600cc daily driver or a 2275cc weekend warrior, these covers provide the professional finish and reliability your VW deserves. Each set comes with the necessary hardware to convert your heads from the clip-style to the secure bolt-on configuration.

FITMENT

These valve covers are designed for Type 1 based air-cooled engines and fit the following applications:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1967-1977 (Standard & Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1967-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1967-1971 (Type 1 Engine configurations)
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Baja Bugs using 1500cc, 1600cc, or larger stroker engines.
• Engine Compatibility: Fits all Type 1 single-port and dual-port heads from 1500cc to 2332cc and beyond.

SPECS

• Material: High-grade cast aluminum alloy for durability and heat dissipation.
• Attachment Style: Bolt-on (replaces factory bail clips).
• Finish: Natural cast aluminum with polished cooling fins.
• Internal Clearance: Extra-deep design specifically for high-lift rockers.
• Hardware Included: Includes bolts, washers, and seals for installation.
• Gasket Surface: Precision machined flat mounting flange for leak-free sealing.
• Weight: Approximately 2.47 lbs per set.
• Part Number: A1008 / 00-9152-0.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Master the Gasket Seal

To ensure a completely leak-free experience, I recommend using a high-quality silicone or cork gasket. A master builder''s trick is to apply a very thin layer of gasket sealant (like Permatex Aviation Form-A-Gasket) ONLY to the side of the gasket that touches the aluminum valve cover. Leave the side that touches the cylinder head dry. This keeps the gasket firmly attached to the cover when you remove it for valve adjustments, preventing the gasket from tearing or slipping out of place during re-installation.

Tip 2: Do Not Over-Torque the Bolts

Because these are cast aluminum, it is vital that you do not over-tighten the mounting bolts. Over-torquing can lead to stripped threads in the cylinder head or can actually cause the aluminum cover to crack. You are looking for a firm, snug fit that compresses the gasket evenly. Use a cross-pattern tightening sequence to ensure the cover sits flat against the head. Usually, hand-tight plus a quarter to half turn with a small wrench is all that is required to create a perfect seal.

Tip 3: Check Your Clearances Manually

After installing these covers for the first timeespecially if you are running 1.25 or 1.4 ratio rockersalways rotate the engine by hand using the generator/alternator pulley before firing it up. While these EMPI covers are designed for high-lift clearance, every engine build is unique. Listen for any internal contact between the rocker arms and the inside of the casting. If you hear a click or feel resistance, you may need to do a small amount of internal "clearancing" with a die grinder to ensure the valvetrain moves freely through its entire cycle.