Air Cleaner Assembly, for Dco & DHLA, 4.5x7 In Oval 1.75 In

OVERVIEW

When you''re running high-performance side-draft carburetors like the legendary Weber DCOE or the Dellorto DHLA on your air-cooled VW, every millimeter of clearance and every cubic foot of airflow counts. This EMPI Air Cleaner Assembly is designed to provide the perfect balance of show-quality aesthetics and rugged filtration performance. Crafted from heavy-duty steel and finished with a brilliant chrome plating, this 4.5x7-inch oval assembly doesn''t just protect your engine; it transforms your engine bay into a centerpiece. Whether you are building a period-correct Cal-Look Beetle or a high-revving street sleeper, the low-profile 1.75-inch height ensures that you can tuck your induction system under the decklid or within the tight confines of a Karmann Ghia engine compartment without sacrificing the air volume your twin-choke carburetors crave.

Functionality is at the heart of this assembly, featuring a high-flow, washable red gauze element that provides superior filtration compared to traditional paper filters. This reusable design means you won''t be hunting for replacement filters every season; simply clean, re-oil, and reinstall to maintain peak performance. The kit comes complete with a precision-stamped chrome top and base, the necessary mounting hardware, and high-quality gaskets to ensure a vacuum-tight seal against the carburetor face. By choosing this EMPI assembly, you are investing in a component that handles the vibration and heat of an air-cooled engine while keeping harmful road grit out of your precision-machined carburetor internals. It''s the professional choice for enthusiasts who demand that their VW runs as good as it looks.

FITMENT

This air cleaner assembly is designed to fit the following carburetor models and air-cooled Volkswagen applications:

• Carburetor Compatibility: Weber 38 DCOE, 40 DCOE, 42 DCOE, and 45 DCOE series.
• Carburetor Compatibility: Dellorto DHLA 40, 45, and 48 series side-draft carburetors.
• VW Beetle & Super Beetle: All years equipped with side-draft induction systems.
• VW Karmann Ghia: Ideal for low-clearance engine bays using DCOE or DHLA setups.
• VW Bus (Type 2): Fits Split Window and Bay Window models with side-draft conversions.
• VW Type 3: Notchback, Squareback, and Fastback models with performance dual-carb setups.
• VW Thing (Type 181): Perfect for off-road or street-focused side-draft configurations.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Fits all custom builds, including Manx-style bodies and tube chassis rails.

SPECS

Review the technical specifications to ensure this assembly meets your build requirements:

• Overall Shape: Oval design for maximized surface area in compact spaces.
• Long Diameter: 7.00 Inches.
• Short Diameter: 4.50 Inches.
• Total Height: 1.75 Inches (Low-Profile).
• Filter Material: High-flow, washable red cotton gauze.
• Housing Material: Heavy-duty stamped steel.
• Finish: Show-quality brilliant chrome plating.
• Included Components: Chrome top plate, chrome base plate, gauze element, mounting hardware, and base gasket.
• Mounting Pattern: Standard Weber DCOE / Dellorto DHLA flange.

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Gauze Element Maintenance

To maximize the life of your engine and the performance of your carburetors, never run the gauze element dry. Use a high-quality air filter oil kit to treat the element after cleaning. When oiling, apply a consistent bead along the crown of each pleat and allow it to "wick" for at least 20 minutes before installation. This ensures that even the finest dust particles are trapped before they can enter your venturis. Avoid using compressed air to dry the element after washing, as this can tear the cotton fibers and create "holes" in your filtration.

2. Verify Velocity Stack Clearance

Many Weber DCOE and Dellorto DHLA carburetors utilize internal velocity stacks (also known as air horns). Before final installation of the air cleaner top, ensure that your velocity stacks do not sit too high for the 1.75-inch housing. There should be at least 1/2-inch of clearance between the top of the velocity stack and the bottom of the air cleaner lid to prevent air turbulence and "choking" the carburetor at high RPMs. If your stacks are too long, you may need to trim them or opt for a taller air cleaner element.

3. Prevent Hardware Vibration Loss

Air-cooled VW engines are notorious for harmonic vibrations that can loosen hardware over time. When assembling the chrome top and base, we highly recommend using a small drop of medium-strength (blue) thread-locking compound on the mounting studs or screws. This prevents the hardware from backing out and potentially being ingested by the engine or lost on the road. Additionally, ensure the base gasket is perfectly centered on the carburetor face to prevent any "whistling" sounds or unfiltered air leaks that can lean out your fuel mixture.