Air Cleaner Adapter, 2 for Adapting to Competition Filters

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing your air-cooled Volkswagen to the limit in off-road environments or simply trying to squeeze every bit of performance out of a street-legal build, standard air cleaner setups often fall short. The EMPI Air Cleaner Adapter is the professional solution for enthusiasts looking to mount high-flow competition air cleaners directly to their carburetors without interference. This 2-inch riser provides the critical vertical clearance needed to lift the air cleaner assembly above the fan shroud, a common bottleneck in performance VW engine bays. By utilizing this adapter, you can finally run the heavy-duty filtration systems required to keep dirt and debris out of your engine while ensuring that your intake has plenty of room to breathe, free from the physical constraints of the stock cooling tin.

Constructed from high-grade, reinforced urethane, this adapter is engineered to withstand the harsh vibrations and extreme temperature fluctuations common in the VW engine compartment. Unlike cheap rubber alternatives that can dry rot, crack, or collapse under vacuum, this urethane component maintains its structural integrity and provides a positive, airtight seal for years of service. It is specifically designed for off-road conditions where a secure connection between the carburetor and the filter is paramount to preventing catastrophic engine failure caused by dust ingestion. Every kit comes complete with heavy-duty stainless steel clamps, ensuring that once you install it, your competition filter stays exactly where it belongs, whether you are crawling over rocks or blasting through the dunes.

FITMENT

This adapter is designed for carburetors with a standard 2-1/16 inch neck, including but not limited to:

• Solex 30 PICT-1, 31 PICT-3, and 34 PICT-3 Carburetors
• EMPI and HPMX Replacement Series Carburetors
• VW Type 1 Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• VW Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1971 (with upright engines)
• VW Type 3 Squareback, Fastback, Notchback: All years utilizing upright conversions
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Baja Bugs, and Trikes using Type 1 based upright engines.

SPECS

• Height: 2 Inches (Measured from base to top).
• Internal Diameter: 2-1/16 Inches (Optimized for Solex-style carburetor necks).
• Material: Reinforced, high-density Urethane (Oil and fuel resistant).
• Hardware Included: Two (2) adjustable stainless steel worm-gear hose clamps.
• Color: Classic Black.
• Brand: EMPI (Performance Air-Cooled Specialists).
• Part Number: 1530-13.
• Compatibility: Designed for competition-style "Hat" or "Open Element" air filters.

PRO TIPS

1. Verify Decklid Clearance Before Final Installation

While the 2-inch height is essential for clearing the fan shroud on performance engines, it adds significant overall height to your intake assembly. If you are running a standard Beetle or Ghia with a stock decklid, always do a "clay test" or a careful visual check before slamming the hood shut. On some early Beetles or cars with high-profile competition filters, the extra 2 inches provided by the adapter might cause the top of the air cleaner to contact the decklid. If clearance is tight, you may need to utilize decklid stand-offs or a lower-profile filter element to ensure you don''t dent your sheet metal or restrict airflow to the filter.

2. Ensure a Clean, Oil-Free Mating Surface

Urethane provides an incredible seal, but it can be slippery if there is residual oil or gasoline on the carburetor neck. Before sliding the adapter onto the carb, use a clean rag and a bit of brake cleaner to wipe down the carburetor flange. This ensures that the adapter "bites" onto the metal surface. When tightening the included stainless steel clamps, make sure they are positioned squarely over the reinforced ribs of the adapter. Don''t over-torque them to the point of distorting the urethane, but ensure they are snug enough that the adapter cannot be rotated by hand. This prevents the filter from vibrating loose during high-RPM runs or rough off-road sections.

3. Periodic Heat Cycle Inspections

The engine bay of an air-cooled VW is a high-heat environment, especially during the summer or under heavy load. Urethane is much more durable than rubber, but like any polymer, it can settle slightly after the first few dozen heat cycles. After your first long drive or off-road session, wait for the engine to cool and give the hose clamps an extra quarter-turn if necessary. This simple maintenance step ensures a lifetime of leak-free performance and guarantees that your engine is never sucking in unfiltered air from a loose connection. It''s a small detail that professional builders never skip when prepping a car for a race or a long-distance show circuit.