Oil Pump, with Filter, 32mm Gears, for 56-70 Flat Cam

OVERVIEW

Elevate your air-cooled engine''s reliability and thermal management with the EMPI High-Capacity Oil Pump with Filter Mount. For decades, the Achilles'' heel of the Volkswagen Type 1 engine has been the lack of a modern, spin-on oil filtration system. From the factory, these engines relied on a simple mesh screen to catch large debris, leaving microscopic contaminants to circulate and wear down your bearings. This EMPI 00-9206-0 oil pump solves that engineering gap by integrating a spin-on filter mount directly onto the pump housing. By forcing 100% of your engine''s oil through a high-quality filter before it reaches critical internal components, you are significantly extending the life of your crankshaft, rod bearings, and camshaft. This is the single most effective "bolt-on" upgrade you can perform to ensure your vintage VW survives the heat and demands of modern driving conditions.

Beyond its superior filtration capabilities, this pump is engineered for high-performance volume. Featuring massive 32mm gears, this unit provides a substantial increase in oil pressure and flow compared to the stock 21mm or 26mm pumps found in early engines. Increased oil volume is critical for air-cooled engines because oil carries away approximately 40% of the engine''s heat. The extra flow ensures that even at high RPMs or during hot summer cruises, your oil pressure remains stable and your internal components stay lubricated and cool. Designed specifically for "flat cam" engines (3-bolt style), this pump is a rugged, cast-body masterpiece that bridges the gap between vintage aesthetics and modern mechanical protection. Whether you are building a weekend cruiser or a high-revving street machine, this pump provides the peace of mind that only clean, high-pressure oil can deliver.

FITMENT

This oil pump is designed specifically for Volkswagen Type 1, 2, and 3 engines equipped with a Flat Cam (3-bolt cam gear style). Please verify your camshaft style before ordering, as it will not fit "dished" cams found in later 1971-on models.

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1956 through 1970
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1970
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1956 through 1970
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1970
• Volkswagen Thing: Early production models with flat cam swaps
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes using 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, or 1600cc flat-cam engines

SPECS

• Product Part Number: EMPI 00-9206-0
• Gear Size: 32mm High-Volume Gears
• Camshaft Compatibility: Flat Cam (3-Bolt Style)
• Filter Type: Fits standard spin-on filters (typically Fram PH8A or equivalent)
• Material: Heavy-duty cast housing with precision-machined internals
• Drive Type: Standard tang drive for early-style camshafts
• Inlet/Outlet: Internal bypass design for integrated filtration
• Weight: 2.69 lbs
• Gaskets Included: Yes, includes required mounting gaskets

PRO TIPS

1. Exhaust Clearance is Critical

When installing this filter-mount oil pump, you must be aware of exhaust clearance. Because the oil filter sits directly off the face of the pump, it will NOT clear a stock Volkswagen pea-shooter muffler or certain restrictive aftermarket systems. To use this pump effectively, you generally need to run a merged header, a "Tuck-Away" style exhaust, or a custom system that provides an open area behind the rear apron. Always mock up your filter placement before final assembly to ensure there is no contact between the hot exhaust pipes and the oil filter canister, as excessive heat transfer can degrade your oil quality or cause a fire hazard.

2. Prime the Pump Before the First Fire

Never start a dry engine after installing a new oil pump. Before you bolt the pump into the case, we recommend filling the gear cavity with a high-quality assembly lube or a thick engine oil. Once the pump is installed and the filter is threaded on, you should pull the spark plugs and crank the engine over until you see the oil pressure light on the dashboard go out. This ensures that the 32mm gears have successfully picked up oil from the sump and have pressurized the entire galleries before the engine is subjected to the heat and friction of internal combustion.

3. The "Gasket Sandwich" Technique

Achieving a perfect seal is vital for maintaining oil pressure. When installing the pump, ensure the mating surfaces on the engine case are perfectly clean and free of old gasket material or burrs. We recommend using a very thin smear of Permatex Aviator sealant or a similar non-hardening sealer on the gaskets. Be careful not to use too much; excess RTV can squeeze into the oil galleries and cause a catastrophic blockage. Ensure the pump is pulled into the case evenly by tightening the nuts in a cross-pattern to prevent the housing from binding or cocking to one side, which could lead to air leaks on the suction side of the pump.