Oil Filter Adapter Mount, Exhaust Stud Outward Mounted

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your air-cooled Volkswagen''s lubrication system with the EMPI Billet Aluminum Oil Filter Adapter Mount, a heavy-duty solution designed for serious off-road and performance enthusiasts. This precision-engineered bracket is CNC-machined from high-grade 6061 billet aluminum, ensuring that it can withstand the intense vibrations and thermal stresses inherent in high-performance VW engines. By utilizing the existing exhaust studs on the engine case, this mount provides a rock-solid foundation for your remote oil filter adapter, allowing you to move the filter away from the heat of the engine block and into a position where it can benefit from better airflow and easier maintenance access. Whether you are running a high-revving street engine or a rugged off-road powerplant, keeping your oil clean and cool is the single most important factor in engine longevity, and this bracket is a key component in achieving that goal.

The "outward mounted" design of this specific bracket is tailored for vehicles with open engine bays, such as dune buggies, sandrails, and Baja Bugs. It positions the 3-bolt remote oil filter adapter away from the engine, providing ample clearance for high-performance exhaust systems and custom intake manifolds. It is important to note that because this mount pushes the filter outward, it is not compatible with standard Type 1 sedans like the Beetle or Ghia, as the filter would interfere with the rear body apron. However, for the off-road builder, this mount is the gold standard for creating a professional, "full-flow" oiling system. It eliminates the need for flimsy universal brackets that often flex or crack under pressure, giving you the peace of mind that your oiling system is secure even when you are hammering through the desert or climbing steep dunes.

FITMENT

This bracket is designed for air-cooled VW Type 1, 2, and 3 engines that have been modified for a remote oil filter system. Please review the specific vehicle applications below:

• VW Dune Buggies: All years and models using Type 1 or Type 2 engine cases.
• VW Sandrails: Ideal for tube-chassis vehicles with exposed engines.
• VW Baja Bugs: Fits models with cut rear aprons or tubular engine cages.
• VW Trikes: Perfect for custom three-wheelers utilizing the air-cooled VW drivetrain.
• Note: Will NOT fit standard VW Beetles, Super Beetles, or Karmann Ghias with stock rear body panels/aprons due to outward clearance requirements.
• Compatibility: Designed specifically for use with standard EMPI and other aftermarket 3-bolt remote oil filter adapters.

SPECS

• Material: High-Strength 6061 Billet Aluminum.
• Finish: Precision Machined Polished Aluminum for a show-quality look.
• Mounting Location: Attaches directly to the lower exhaust studs on the engine head/case.
• Adapter Compatibility: Standard 3-bolt pattern for remote oil filter heads.
• Mounting Orientation: Outward Mounted (offsets the filter away from the engine center).
• Weight: Approximately 0.31 lbs, offering a lightweight yet incredibly rigid mounting solution.
• Durability: Corrosion-resistant material ideal for exposed engine environments.

PRO TIPS

1. Optimize Your Hose Routing for Maximum Flow

When installing your outward-mounted oil filter, the routing of your oil lines is critical for both performance and safety. Always use high-quality reinforced high-pressure oil hoses and ensure they are routed away from the exhaust header tubes. Even though this bracket moves the filter outward, the lines must still navigate the engine bay. Use cushioned "P-clamps" to secure the hoses to the engine tin or frame horns to prevent them from vibrating against sharp edges. Remember, a ruptured oil line can lead to total engine failure in seconds, so take the extra time to double-check that your lines have enough slack for engine torque movement but aren''t sagging near hot components.

2. Confirm Your "Full Flow" Setup Requirements

This bracket is a mounting solution for a remote filter, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. To properly utilize a remote filter on an air-cooled VW engine, you must have a "full flow" oil system. This typically requires a specialized oil pump cover with an outlet, and the engine case must be drilled and tapped with a return fitting near the oil pressure relief valve. If you are simply looking to add a filter without machining the case, ensure you are using a "pump-mount" style filter instead. This EMPI 3015-20 bracket is specifically for those who have committed to a true external plumbing circuit for maximum filtration and cooling capacity.

3. Use Anti-Seize on Exhaust Studs

Since this bracket mounts directly to the exhaust studs, you are dealing with one of the hottest areas of the engine. When you slide the bracket over the studs and prepare to torque your nuts down, always apply a small amount of high-temperature nickel or copper anti-seize to the stud threads. Over time, the heat cycles of the engine can cause steel nuts to seize onto the studs, making future maintenance or engine teardowns a nightmare. Additionally, ensure that your exhaust studs are long enough to accommodate both the thickness of the exhaust flange and the billet aluminum bracket; in some cases, you may need to install slightly longer studs to ensure full thread engagement.