16 Pass Oil Cooler Kit, with Electric Fan

OVERVIEW

Heat is the ultimate enemy of any air-cooled Volkswagen engine. When you increase displacement, add a turbocharger, or push your VW through the desert sands in a sand rail, your oil becomes the primary cooling agent for your internal components. The EMPI 16 Pass Oil Cooler Kit is engineered to tackle these high-temperature environments head-on. Unlike standard aluminum plate coolers that can struggle with extreme heat soak, this unit features a robust copper tube design. Copper offers superior thermal conductivity, ensuring that heat is drawn away from your oil and dissipated rapidly through the fins. The 16-pass configuration provides a massive surface area for cooling, making it an essential upgrade for anyone running a 1776cc or larger engine where the stock dog-house cooler simply cannot keep up with the thermal load.

This kit is more than just a radiator; it is a comprehensive thermal management solution designed for the serious VW enthusiast. It comes equipped with a high-output 10-inch electric fan that is fully reversible, allowing you the flexibility to configure it as a ""pusher"" or a ""puller"" depending on your specific mounting location. Whether you are tucking this under the package tray of a Beetle, mounting it above the transaxle, or attaching it to the cage of a custom dune buggy, the included aluminum mounting brackets provide a secure, professional, and vibration-resistant fit. The cooler itself is finished in a durable black powder coating to resist corrosion and road debris, while the integrated -8AN male fittings provide a leak-proof, high-flow connection for your oil lines. If you want to protect your engine investment and ensure long-term reliability, this EMPI kit is the professional choice for keeping your oil temperatures stable under the most grueling conditions.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1950 through 1979 (All models)
• VW Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• VW Bus / Transporter (Type 2): 1950 through 1979
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961 through 1973
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Manx-style Buggies, and Trikes

SPECS

• Part Number: 00-9290-0
• Cooler Type: 16-Pass Copper Tube and Fin
• Finish: Heavy-Duty Black Powder Coat
• Fittings: Integrated -8AN Male Threads
• Fan Diameter: 10 Inches
• Fan Configuration: Reversible (Pusher or Puller)
• Fan Voltage: 12 Volt DC
• Bracket Material: High-Strength Aluminum
• Kit Includes: Oil Cooler, 10-inch Fan, and Mounting Brackets

PRO TIPS

1. Optimize Airflow and Placement

To get the maximum efficiency out of your 16-pass cooler, mounting location is everything. Avoid mounting the cooler directly behind another heat source, such as the exhaust system or the engine block itself. If you are mounting it under the vehicle, ensure it is at a slight angle to catch oncoming air while driving, but rely on the 10-inch fan for low-speed or stationary cooling. Always ensure there is at least 2 to 3 inches of clearance behind the fan so the air has somewhere to go; if the air stacks up behind the fan, the cooling efficiency drops significantly. If you are using it as a puller, the fan should be mounted on the side of the cooler facing away from the wind.

2. Use a Thermal Switch and Relay

Don''t wire your electric fan directly to a manual toggle switch or directly to your ignition coil. For the best engine health, we recommend installing an inline thermal switch (usually set to kick in at 180 degrees Fahrenheit) in conjunction with a 30-amp or 40-amp relay. This ensures the fan only runs when the oil is actually hot, allowing your engine to reach operating temperature faster on cold mornings. Running the fan constantly can lead to premature wear on the fan motor and can actually keep your oil too cold in certain climates, which prevents the oil from burning off internal moisture and contaminants.

3. Plumbing for Pressure and Flow

When plumbing this cooler into your full-flow system, always use high-quality -8AN braided stainless steel or high-pressure rubber lines. Ensure that your lines are routed away from moving parts like the axles or shift linkage, and use cushioned p-clamps to secure