Air Cleaner Assembly, 6-3/8 Dia, 2-1/4 Tall, 2-1/16 Inlet

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your air-cooled engine''s aesthetics and breathing capabilities with the EMPI Low-Profile Chrome Air Cleaner Assembly. This 6-3/8 inch diameter unit is a staple in the VW community, offering a sleek, high-luster chrome finish that instantly cleans up the look of your engine bay by replacing the bulky, often messy stock oil-bath air cleaners. Designed with a 2-1/16 inch inlet, this assembly is engineered specifically to seat perfectly on standard Solex and Brosol carburetors, providing a secure fit that ensures only clean, filtered air reaches your combustion chambers. Whether you are finishing a show-quality restoration or building a rugged weekend woods-runner, this air cleaner provides the classic "hot rod" look while maintaining the reliable filtration necessary for long-term engine health.

Beyond its striking appearance, this air cleaner is designed for maximum clearance and ease of maintenance. Standing only 2-1/4 inches tall, it is the ideal solution for tight engine compartments where decklid clearance is a concern, such as in Karmann Ghias or Beetles equipped with aftermarket manifolds. The high-flow gauze element provides a significant improvement in air volume compared to restrictive factory setups, allowing your engine to rev more freely and respond better to throttle inputs. The assembly features a stamped steel top and bottom plate with a triple-chrome plated finish, ensuring it resists corrosion and maintains its shine even in the harsh heat of an air-cooled engine environment. When it comes to value and iconic style, EMPI continues to set the standard for the vintage Volkswagen enthusiast.

FITMENT

This air cleaner is designed for carburetors with a 2-1/16 inch (52mm) neck diameter, which includes the following applications:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950-1974 (Equipped with Solex 28, 30, or 34 PICT carburetors).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974.
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950-1971 (With upright style engines).
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973-1974.
• Volkswagen Squareback / Fastback (Type 3): Custom applications with upright conversions.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: All years using standard Solex-style carburetors.
• Carburetor Compatibility: Solex 28 PICT, 30 PICT, 30/31 PICT, and 34 PICT-3 series.

SPECS

• Overall Diameter: 6-3/8 Inches.
• Overall Height: 2-1/4 Inches.
• Inlet Diameter (ID): 2-1/16 Inches (approx. 52mm).
• Plate Material: Stamped Steel.
• Finish: High-Luster Triple Chrome Plated.
• Filter Media: Replaceable Paper or Gauze Element.
• Hardware: Includes center mounting stud and wing nut.
• Manufacturer Part Number: 00-9076-0.

PRO TIPS

1. Managing Crankcase Ventilation

When switching from a stock oil-bath air cleaner to this EMPI chrome assembly, you must address your engine''s crankcase ventilation. The original air cleaner usually had a port for the breather hose coming from the oil filler neck. If your new chrome air cleaner does not have a pre-installed vent tube, you should install a small "breather filter" on the oil filler neck or drill and tap the bottom plate of the new air cleaner to accept a 1/2-inch hose barb. This prevents internal engine pressure from blowing out your main seals and keeps your engine bay free of oil mist.

2. Ensure a Proper Seal on the Carburetor Neck

Don''t just drop the air cleaner on and tighten the wing nut; you must ensure the base plate is seated squarely on the carburetor neck. Because these are universal-style fitments for Solex carbs, sometimes the choke butterfly or the heater element (on 34 PICT-3 carbs) can interfere with the base plate. Before tightening, verify that the choke can open and close fully without hitting the bottom of the air cleaner. If it binds, you may need a small spacer or a slight adjustment to the plate orientation to ensure the engine doesn''t stay on high idle or run too rich.

3. Protecting the Chrome Finish

The heat of an air-cooled VW engine can be brutal on chrome plating. To prevent the top plate from blueing or pitting over time, apply a high-quality automotive wax or chrome sealant before you install it. During your regular oil changes, take a moment to wipe down the underside of the assembly. Oil vapor can accumulate on the bottom plate, and if left to bake on, it can ruin the finish. Keeping the filter element clean is also vital; if the element becomes clogged, the vacuum from the carb can actually pull the top plate downward, potentially causing a vacuum leak at the base or distorting the metal.