Oil Cooler Block Off, for All Years Aircooled Beetle

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing the limits of your air-cooled Volkswagen engine, the factory oil cooling system often becomes the weak link in your performance chain. Whether you are building a high-displacement stroker motor or a high-revving street machine, heat management is the single most important factor in engine longevity. This EMPI Billet Aluminum Oil Cooler Block Off is the professional solution for builders who have transitioned to an external oil cooling system. By removing the stock internal cooler and installing this precision-engineered plate, you allow the oil to re-enter the engine block immediately, facilitating a seamless transition to a full-flow or external bypass setup. This ensures that your lubrication cycle remains uninterrupted, maintaining critical oil pressure and preventing the hotspots associated with restrictive factory cooling passages.

Crafted with the meticulous attention to detail that EMPI is known for, this block-off plate isn''t just about utilityit''s about style. Each unit is CNC machined from high-grade billet aluminum and finished with a brilliant mirror polish, making it a "show quality" addition to any engine bay. Unlike stamped steel alternatives that can warp over time and cause annoying oil leaks, the thick billet construction of this adapter provides a perfectly flat mating surface for a superior seal. It comes complete with the necessary mounting hardware and a high-quality gasket, ensuring that you have everything required for a clean, leak-free installation. If you are serious about streamlining your cooling system for a Dune Buggy, Sand Rail, or Cal-Look Beetle, this is the essential component to get the job done right.

FITMENT

This oil cooler block-off plate is designed for the standard 2-bolt mounting pattern found on Type 1 based engine cases. It is compatible with the following models:

• Volkswagen Beetle: All years and models (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based engines).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years and models.
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1950 through 1971 (Upright engines).
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974.
• Custom Applications: All Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Kit Cars utilizing a VW Type 1 upright engine case.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 17-2946-0
• Material: CNC Machined Billet Aluminum
• Finish: High-Polish Mirror Finish
• Mounting Configuration: Standard 2-Bolt VW Type 1 Pattern
• Included Hardware: (2) Zinc-Plated Hex Bolts and (2) Flat Washers
• Gasket Included: Yes (High-temperature composite material)
• Flow Design: Internal bypass channel for immediate oil return to the block
• Weight: Approximately 0.49 lbs

PRO TIPS

1. Ensure a Perfect Seal with Sealant

While the EMPI block-off plate features a precision-flat surface and includes a high-quality gasket, air-cooled VW cases are notorious for small imperfections and thermal expansion differences. To guarantee a leak-free experience, I always recommend applying a very thin, even smear of Permatex Aviation Form-A-Gasket or a similar non-hardening sealant to both sides of the gasket before installation. This fills in the microscopic pores of the magnesium or aluminum engine case and ensures that "sweating" doesn''t occur during high-temperature operation.

2. Be Mindful of Torque Values

One of the most common mistakes I see in the shop is over-tightening the mounting bolts on the oil cooler stand. Because you are threading steel bolts into a relatively soft magnesium or aluminum engine case, it is incredibly easy to strip the threads. You should always use a torque wrench and tighten the bolts to approximately 14-18 ft-lbs. If your case threads feel "soft" or have been repaired before, consider using a small amount of medium-strength thread locker to prevent the bolts from vibrating loose without having to over-torque them.

3. Verify Your External Plumbing First

It is vital to remember that this part is a block-off. By installing this, you are completely removing the engine''s primary method of cooling its oil. Never start your engine with this plate installed unless you have already verified that your external oil cooler and full-flow filter system are correctly plumbed and primed with oil. Running an engine without any cooling source, even for a short period, will cause oil temperatures to spike to dangerous levels, potentially leading to warped heads or seized bearings. Always double-check your flow direction on your external pump and lines before the first fire-up.