Engine Gasket Set, 1500cc & Up VW Engines Without Rear Main

OVERVIEW

When you''re pulling the cases apart or performing a complete top-end refresh on your air-cooled powerplant, the last thing you want is a "driveway marker" leaking oil all over your garage floor. This EMPI Engine Gasket Set is the gold standard for enthusiasts and professional builders alike who demand a reliable seal for 1500cc and larger Type 1 based engines. Designed to provide a comprehensive solution for long-block assembly, this kit eliminates the guesswork by including every critical sealing component required to keep your oil inside the engine and your compression where it belongs. Whether you are reviving a barn-find Beetle or putting the finishing touches on a high-performance 1600cc dual-port build, these gaskets offer the precise fitment and material integrity necessary to withstand the high operating temperatures inherent to the air-cooled environment.

This kit is specifically curated for the 1300cc to 1600cc engine family, encompassing the most popular configurations found in classic Volkswagens. From the high-quality cork valve cover gaskets that provide a resilient barrier against rocker arm spray to the specialized pushrod tube seals that prevent the common "drip" at the cylinder head interface, every piece in this 00-9900-B set is manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment specifications. It includes the necessary gaskets for the oil pump, oil strainer, intake manifold, and exhaust flanges, ensuring that every mating surface is accounted for during your rebuild. By choosing this EMPI set from Appletree Auto, you are investing in a legacy of air-cooled performance parts that have been trusted by the VW community for decades, ensuring your engine remains dry, efficient, and ready for the open road.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1966-1977 (1300cc, 1500cc, 1600cc models)
• VW Super Beetle: 1971-1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1966-1974
• VW Bus (Type 2): 1963-1971 (1500cc and 1600cc upright engines)
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974
• Engine Compatibility: Fits all 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based Type 1 engines.

SPECS

• Part Number: 00-9900-B
• Brand: EMPI
• Application: Type 1 Upright Engines
• Engine Sizes: 1300cc, 1500cc, 1600cc, and larger stroker/big-bore builds.
• Valve Cover Gaskets: High-density cork material for superior oil retention.
• Pushrod Tube Seals: Standard rubber (Red/Orange or Black depending on production batch).
• Oil Strainer Kit: Includes gaskets and copper washers for the oil sump plate.
• Intake Gaskets: Fiber-style gaskets for single and dual-port configurations.
• Exhaust Gaskets: Crush-style rings for heat riser and header connections.
• Oil Pump Gaskets: Includes gaskets for both early and late oil pump styles.
• Exclusions: Does NOT include the Flywheel (Rear Main) seal.

PRO TIPS

Surface Preparation is Paramount

Before installing any gasket from this EMPI set, ensure that all mating surfaces are meticulously cleaned. Use a plastic scraper or a brass brush to remove old gasket material without gouging the soft aluminum engine case or cylinder heads. Any leftover residue or nicks in the metal will create a leak path that even the best gasket cannot seal. We recommend a final wipe-down with a lint-free rag and brake cleaner to remove all oily film, ensuring a bone-dry surface for the best possible adhesion and seal integrity.

Sealing the Pushrod Tubes

When installing the pushrod tube seals, it is a common mistake to install them dry. To ensure they seat properly and don''t "bunch up" or tear when you torque down the heads, apply a very light film of clean engine oil or a specialized assembly lube to the rubber. This allows the seal to slide into the engine case and the cylinder head smoothly. Also, double-check your pushrod tubes for any corrosion or pinholes; even with new seals, a rusty tube will eventually leak oil, so replace them if they aren''t in pristine condition.

The Importance of the Rear Main Seal

This specific kit (00-9900-B) does NOT include the rear main (flywheel) seal. As specialists, we recommend purchasing a high-quality Viton or double-lip silicone rear main seal separately whenever you are doing a full rebuild. While this kit covers the "top-end" and external accessories, the rear main seal is the most labor-intensive seal to replace later. Don''t cut cornersmatch this EMPI gasket set with a premium flywheel seal from Appletree Auto to ensure your engine remains leak-free for the long haul.