Air Cleaner Assembly, 5-1/2 Diameter 3 Tall, 2-1/16 Inlet

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the heart of your air-cooled Volkswagen, airflow is everything. The EMPI 5-1/2 inch Chrome Air Cleaner Assembly is a quintessential upgrade for any VW enthusiast looking to shed the bulky, messy oil-bath style cleaners found on vintage models. Not only does this assembly provide a significant aesthetic boost to your engine bay with its high-luster chrome finish, but it also ensures that your carburetor receives a steady supply of clean, filtered air. Designed specifically for stock carburetors with a 2-1/16 inch inlet, this unit offers a perfect balance between classic styling and modern filtration efficiency. Whether you''re restoring a showroom-quality Beetle or building a rugged weekend dune buggy, this air cleaner provides the high-performance look and protection that every air-cooled engine deserves.

Performance-wise, the 3-inch height of this filter element is a strategic choice for the air-cooled platform. Unlike thinner "pancake" style filters that can sometimes restrict air volume during high-RPM pulls, the 3-inch vertical clearance provides ample surface area for the paper element to breathe. This ensures that your Solex or equivalent carburetor isn''t gasping for air when you''re merging onto the highway or climbing a steep trail. The assembly includes the chrome top plate, the chrome base plate, and a high-quality replaceable paper filter element. It''s a "bolt-on and go" solution that replaces the heavy stock canisters, clearing up space in the engine compartment for easier access to your spark plugs, distributor, and valve adjustments, making it a favorite for both daily drivers and hobbyist mechanics.

FITMENT

This air cleaner assembly is designed for carburetors with a 2-1/16 inch (approx. 52mm) neck. This includes the following models and applications:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950-1974 (Equipped with Solex 28, 30, 31, or 34 PICT-3 stock carburetors)
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971-1974
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1950-1971 (Type 2 models with upright engines)
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any custom build utilizing a stock-style VW upright engine with a 2-1/16 inch carb inlet.
• Weber Progressive Carburetors: Fits many Weber DFEV and DGV series carburetors used in progressive conversion kits.

SPECS

• Diameter: 5-1/2 Inches (140mm)
• Total Height: 3 Inches (76mm)
• Inlet Size: 2-1/16 Inches (Fits standard Solex/Stock carb necks)
• Finish: Show-quality Polished Chrome
• Filter Media: Replaceable High-Flow Paper Element
• Mounting Style: Clamp-on (Includes mounting hardware)
• Application: Air-cooled VW Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 (with upright conversions)
• Manufacturer Part Number: 00-9044-0

PRO TIPS FROM APPLETREE AUTO

1. Manage Your Crankcase Ventilation

When switching from a stock oil-bath air cleaner to a chrome assembly like this, many builders forget that the stock cleaner often housed the vent hose for the oil filler/breather box. If your new chrome air cleaner doesn''t have a built-in vent fitting, you must ensure your engine can still breathe. We recommend installing a small "clamp-on" breather filter on your oil filler neck or utilizing a breather box system. Allowing the crankcase to vent properly prevents oil leaks caused by internal pressure buildup and keeps your engine running cooler and cleaner. Don''t leave that vent open to the atmosphere without a filter, or you''ll end up with a fine mist of oil all over your nice new chrome!

2. Check Your Decklid Clearance

Before you slam the decklid shut on your Beetle or Ghia, always double-check the vertical clearance. While the 3-inch height is fantastic for airflow, it can be a tight squeeze on some early model cars or cars with aftermarket manifolds. If you find that the air cleaner is hitting the decklid or the spring, you might need to look into "decklid stand-offs" which prop the top of the lid open for extra clearance and better cooling, or consider a slightly shorter 2-inch element. Always place a small piece of clay or a crumpled piece of aluminum foil on top of the air cleaner and gently close the lid to test the clearance before your first drive.

3. Maintain That Chrome Shine

The engine bay of an air-cooled VW is a harsh environment with varying temperatures and road debris. To keep your EMPI air cleaner looking like new, avoid using harsh degreasers on the chrome plating, as they can cause pitting or dulling over time. Instead, use a high-quality chrome polish once a month to protect the finish from oxidation. Additionally, because this unit uses a paper element, it is not washable. We recommend inspecting the filter element every 3,000 miles, especially if you drive in dusty conditions or off-road in a buggy. A clogged filter will richen your fuel mixture, hurting your gas mileage and potentially fouling your spark plugs.