EMPI Color Matched Pulley Kit Black Anodized, for Type 1 VW

OVERVIEW

Elevate the aesthetic and functional performance of your air-cooled engine with the EMPI Color Matched Pulley Kit in a sleek black anodized finish. This isn''t just about adding a touch of style to your engine bay; it''s about precision engineering and reliability. Each component in this kit is crafted from high-grade billet aluminum and CNC machined to exacting tolerances, ensuring a perfect fit and vibration-free operation. The deep black anodized coating provides a durable, corrosion-resistant surface that stands up to the high-heat environment of a Volkswagen engine while maintaining its premium look for years to come. Whether you are building a show-winning Cal-Look Beetle or a reliable daily driver, these pulleys offer the perfect balance of custom flair and OEM-level functionality.

The EMPI 18-1117-0 kit is designed as a comprehensive solution, moving beyond simple aesthetics by including a high-quality Continental belt and all necessary hardware for a seamless installation. One of the standout features for the performance-minded enthusiast is the precision laser-etched timing marks on the crankshaft pulley, covering 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 degrees. These clear, easy-to-read marks take the guesswork out of tuning your ignition timing, allowing for more accurate adjustments and better overall engine performance. By maintaining the standard stock diameter for both the crankshaft and the alternator/generator pulleys, this kit ensures that your cooling fan and charging system operate at their intended factory speeds, preventing the overheating or undercharging issues often associated with smaller power pulleys.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle (Standard): 19611977
• Volkswagen Type 1 Super Beetle: 19711979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 19661974
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 19631971 (1200cc-1600cc engines)
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 19731974

SPECS

• Material: CNC Machined High-Grade Billet Aluminum
• Finish: Professional Grade Black Anodized
• Crankshaft Pulley Diameter: Standard Stock Size
• Alternator/Generator Pulley Diameter: Standard Stock Size
• Timing Increments: Laser-etched at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30
• Belt Type: High-performance Continental V-Belt included
• Kit Components: Crank Pulley, Alt/Gen Pulley, Shims, Pulley Bolt, and Belt
• Design: Unique machined pattern for enhanced visual appeal and weight reduction
• Compatibility: Designed for 12-Volt charging systems

PRO TIPS

1. Mastering Belt Tension with Shims

Proper belt tension is critical for the longevity of your alternator or generator bearings. When installing this EMPI kit, always remember that tension is adjusted by moving the included shims between the two halves of the top pulley. If the belt is too tight, it will put excessive side-load on the bearings and eventually cause failure; if it is too loose, it will slip and cause overheating. A general rule of thumb is that you should be able to deflect the belt about 1/2 inch with thumb pressure at the midpoint between the two pulleys. Always keep your extra shims stored on the outside of the pulley under the nut so they are available for future adjustments as the belt stretches over time.

2. Verify True Top Dead Center (TDC)

While the laser-etched marks on the EMPI crankshaft pulley are highly accurate, every engine build can have slight variances due to woodruff key fitment or crankshaft manufacturing. Before final assembly and tuning, it is a professional best practice to use a piston stop tool to verify that the 0-degree mark on the pulley aligns perfectly with the crankcase split when the number one cylinder is at absolute Top Dead Center. If there is a slight discrepancy, you can mark the pulley with a small dot of white paint or a scribe line. This ensures that your timing is dead-on, which is essential for maximizing horsepower and preventing harmful detonation.

3. Prevent Seizing with Anti-Seize Lubricant

Because these pulleys are made of high-grade aluminum and are being installed onto a steel crankshaft and alternator/generator shaft, there is a risk of galvanic corrosion or "galling" over time. To ensure that you can easily remove the pulleys for future maintenance or belt changes, apply a very thin film of anti-seize lubricant to the shafts before sliding the pulleys on. Additionally, ensure the woodruff keys are in good condition and seated fully in their slots. A loose pulley can quickly wallow out the center hole or damage the keyway, leading to an expensive repair. Tighten the crank pulley bolt to the factory torque spec of 33-40 ft-lbs to keep everything secure.