Air Cleaner Element, 4.5X7 Oval, 1.75 Tall, Gauze

OVERVIEW

Ensure your air-cooled engine is breathing nothing but clean, high-velocity air with the EMPI Gauze Air Cleaner Element. Specifically engineered for the iconic 4.5-inch by 7-inch oval chrome air cleaner assemblies, this replacement element is a vital upgrade for any VW enthusiast running a Weber Progressive carburetor setup. Unlike restrictive paper filters that can choke your engine''s performance as they clog, this high-flow gauze material is designed to maximize CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) while trapping even the finest particulates. Whether you are cruising the local strip in a classic Beetle or tearing up the dunes in a high-performance sand rail, maintaining a clean air intake is the first line of defense against premature cylinder and ring wear. This element provides the perfect balance between filtration efficiency and unrestricted airflow, ensuring your dual-port or single-port engine reaches its full power potential.

This EMPI element is not just about performance; it is about long-term value and durability in the harshest environments. The washable gauze construction means you no longer have to hunt for obscure paper filters every time your engine starts to stumble. When the filter becomes dirty, a simple cleaning and re-oiling process restores it to like-new condition, making it a permanent fixture in your maintenance routine. Designed to fit snugly within the standard chrome oval housings often found on Weber 32/36 DGV or DFEV carburetors, this 1.75-inch tall element offers a low profile that is essential for tight engine compartments, especially in Karmann Ghias or Type 3 Fastbacks where vertical clearance is at a premium. By choosing this authentic EMPI component, you are investing in a part that has been a staple of the VW aftermarket for decades, trusted by builders who demand reliability and a clean, classic aesthetic under the decklid.

FITMENT

This air cleaner element is designed for use with 4.5-inch x 7-inch oval air cleaner housings. It is most commonly used on the following applications:

• Carburetor Types: Weber 32/36 DGV, Weber 32/36 DFEV, Holley 5200, and EMPI EPC 32/36 Progressive Carburetors.
• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (All models equipped with Progressive Carburetor kits).
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974 (Fits within most stock engine compartments).
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1971 (1600cc based engines).
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961 through 1973 (Check clearance for dual carb setups).
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973 through 1974.
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Baja Bugs utilizing the oval chrome air cleaner assembly.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the EMPI 00-8736-0 Air Cleaner Element:

• Filter Material: Multi-layer surgical grade cotton gauze.
• Outer Shape: Oval.
• Long Dimension (Length): 7 Inches.
• Short Dimension (Width): 4-1/2 Inches.
• Overall Height: 1-3/4 Inches (1.75").
• Filtration Style: Wet (Requires Gauze Filter Oil).
• Reusable: Yes, washable and re-oilable.
• Compatibility: Replacement for EMPI chrome air cleaner kits 9205, 9206, and similar Weber Progressive housings.
• Construction: Reinforced with epoxy-coated wire mesh to prevent pleat collapse under high vacuum.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: The Golden Rule of Oiling. Never run this gauze filter dry. While it may look ready to go out of the box, you must ensure it has a light, even coat of specialized gauze filter oil (usually red or blue). The oil is what actually traps the microscopic dust particles; the gauze simply acts as the substrate. However, do not over-oil the element. If oil is dripping from the filter, it can be sucked into the carburetor, gumming up the air air correction jets and causing a stumble at mid-range RPMs. Apply the oil, let it sit for 20 minutes to "wick" through the pleats, and blot off any excess with a clean paper towel.

Tip 2: Clearance and Seal Integrity. When installing this element into your chrome oval housing, pay close attention to the rubber gaskets on the top and bottom of the element. Ensure they are seated flat against the chrome plates. If the plates are warped from over-tightening the center nut, unfiltered air can bypass the element entirely, leading to engine damage. If you are fitting this on a Karmann Ghia, double-check that the top of the air cleaner doesn''t strike the underside of the decklid or the rain tray. This 1.75-inch tall element is designed specifically to help with these tight clearance issues.

Tip 3: Maintenance in Dusty Conditions. If you take your VW off-road or live in a rural area with dirt roads, do not wait for the recommended service interval to clean your filter. A gauze filter actually becomes more efficient at filtering as it gets slightly dirty, but once the pleats are bridged with debris, your fuel-to-air ratio will richen significantly, killing your fuel economy and fouling your spark plugs. Inspect the filter every 1,000 miles in dusty conditions. Use a dedicated gauze cleaner solution rather than gasoline or harsh solvents, which can break down the cotton fibers and ruin the filter''s structural integrity.