Air Cleaner Assembly, Fits DcoE & DRLA, 4.5x7 Oval, 3.5 Tall

Overview

Elevate your engine''s performance and aesthetics with the EMPI high-performance oval air cleaner assembly, specifically engineered for side-draft carburetor configurations. When you are running legendary carburetors like the Weber DCOE or the Dellorto DHLA/DRLA series, you cannot afford to compromise on air quality or volume. This assembly features a show-quality, heavy-duty chrome-plated steel housing that provides a mirror-like finish, ensuring your engine bay looks as fast as it runs. Designed to meet the demands of high-revving air-cooled engines, the oval 4.5-inch by 7-inch footprint offers a significant surface area for maximum induction, allowing your carburetors to breathe deeply without the restriction often found in smaller or stock-style filters. Whether you are building a weekend street warrior, a dedicated drag racer, or a show-stopping dune buggy, this EMPI assembly delivers the perfect blend of filtration efficiency and classic hot-rod styling.

Beyond its striking appearance, this air cleaner is built for longevity and practical maintenance. It comes equipped with a high-flow, washable red gauze element that captures even the finest particulates before they can reach your intake valves and cylinders. Unlike disposable paper filters that quickly clog and rob you of horsepower, this gauze element can be cleaned and re-oiled repeatedly, making it a cost-effective long-term solution for any serious VW enthusiast. The 3.5-inch height provides ample internal volume for air stabilization before it enters the velocity stacks, ensuring a smoother transition and better fuel atomization. Every kit is comprehensive, including the chrome top and bottom plates, the reusable filter element, and all the necessary hardware and gaskets required for a seamless installation. Stop letting dirt and debris degrade your engine''s internals and start giving your side-drafts the clean, high-velocity air they deserve with this premium EMPI component.

Fitment

This air cleaner assembly is designed for side-draft and specific downdraft carburetors commonly used in performance Volkswagen and universal automotive applications. Please verify your carburetor mounting pattern before ordering.

• Weber Carburetors: 38 DCOE, 40 DCOE, 42 DCOE, 45 DCOE, 48 DCOE.
• Dellorto Carburetors: 36 DHLA/DRLA, 40 DHLA/DRLA, 45 DHLA/DRLA, 48 DHLA/DRLA.
• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle, Karmann Ghia, and Thing (with side-draft conversions).
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, and Kombi (with performance intake manifolds).
• Volkswagen Type 3: Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback.
• Custom Builds: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing Weber/Dellorto side-draft setups.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-8737-0
• Shape: Oval Performance Design
• Base Plate Material: Heavy-Duty Chrome-Plated Steel
• Top Plate Material: Heavy-Duty Chrome-Plated Steel
• Filter Type: Washable High-Flow Red Gauze
• Overall Length: 7 Inches
• Overall Width: 4.5 Inches
• Overall Height: 3.5 Inches
• Hardware Included: Gaskets, clips, and mounting fasteners.
• Finish: Show-Quality Mirror Chrome

Pro Tips from the Master Tech

1. Proper Oiling is Essential for Filtration

The washable gauze element included in this kit is designed to be used with specialized air filter oil. While it may look ready to go out of the box, you must ensure the element is properly charged with oil to trap fine dust and silica. A dry gauze filter will allow micro-particulates to enter your engine, which acts like sandpaper on your cylinder walls and rings. After cleaning the filter, let it dry completely before applying a uniform coat of oil; wait about 20 minutes for the oil to "wick" through the fibers before reinstalling it. Don''t over-saturate it, or you might find oil droplets being sucked into your carburetor jets!

2. Verify Decklid and Body Clearance

At 3.5 inches tall, this is one of the deeper air cleaner assemblies available. While the extra height is fantastic for airflow and velocity stack clearance, it can be a tight fit in some engine compartments. If you are running a standard Beetle decklid with a high-mounted side-draft manifold, double-check your clearance before slamming the hood shut. In many cases, you may need to use decklid stand-offs or a "pop-out" kit to provide the necessary room. For Dune Buggies and Sand Rails with open engine bays, this height is rarely an issue and provides a great aggressive look.

3. Ensure a Perfect Seal at the Base

When installing the base plate onto your Weber or Dellorto carburetor, it is critical that the gasket is seated perfectly flat. Even a tiny gap can allow "unfiltered" air to bypass the filter element, leading to premature engine wear. I recommend a tiny dab of grease or a very light smear of gasket sealer to hold the gasket in place during the initial bolt-up. Also, ensure the spring clips that hold the top plate down are tensioned correctly; they should be firm enough that you cannot move the top plate by hand, ensuring the gauze element is compressed and sealing against both the top and bottom chrome plates.