Air Cleaner Element, 5-1/2 Diameter, 2 Tall, Paper

OVERVIEW

When you''re pushing your air-cooled Volkswagen through the dusty trails of a weekend off-road excursion or cruising down a coastal highway, your engine''s longevity depends entirely on the quality of the air it breathes. This EMPI high-flow paper air cleaner element is the professional''s choice for maintaining peak volumetric efficiency while providing a critical barrier against abrasive particulates. Designed as a direct replacement for the popular 5-1/2 inch diameter chrome air cleaner assemblies found on thousands of Beetles and Ghia models, this element features a deep-pleated paper design. These pleats significantly increase the surface area available for filtration, ensuring that your carburetor receives a steady stream of clean air without the restrictive pressure drops associated with inferior, low-quality filters. Whether you are running a stock setup or a modified performance engine, keeping a fresh element in your air cleaner is the cheapest insurance policy you can buy to prevent premature piston ring and cylinder wall wear.

This specific 2-inch tall element is the "gold standard" for enthusiasts running Weber Progressive carburetors, including the DGV and DFEV series, as well as various generic chrome aftermarket air cleaners. Because air-cooled engines rely so heavily on consistent airflow for both combustion and internal cooling stabilization, a clogged or oil-soaked filter can lead to a rich-running condition, fouled spark plugs, and decreased fuel economy. By utilizing a high-grade paper media, this element captures finer dust particles than traditional foam filters, making it the superior choice for street-driven Volkswagens and dual-purpose sand rails. If you have noticed a drop in throttle response or if your current filter looks grey and dingy, it is time to swap in this EMPI 00-9048-0 element to restore the crisp performance and reliability that Appletree Automotive customers expect from their vintage machines.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle: All years equipped with 5-1/2 inch aftermarket air cleaners.
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971-1979 models using Weber Progressive or EMPI chrome assemblies.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: Fits under the low-profile decklid when used with standard 5-1/2 inch housings.
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: Ideal for upright engine conversions and Weber carb setups.
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fits custom single-carburetor intake manifolds.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): Perfect for rugged, dusty environments.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Fits all 5-1/2 inch diameter "pancake" style or offset air cleaners.
• Carburetor Compatibility: Fits Weber 32/36 DGV, DGAV, DGEV, and 34 ICT assemblies using the 5-1/2 inch base.

SPECS

• Outer Diameter: 5-1/2 Inches (approx. 140mm).
• Total Height: 2 Inches (approx. 51mm).
• Filter Media: High-efficiency pleated paper.
• Inner Support: Perforated metal cage for structural integrity under high vacuum.
• Top/Bottom Seals: Integrated plastisol gaskets for an airtight fit against the housing.
• Manufacturer Part Number: EMPI 00-9048-0.
• Cross Reference: Replaces EMPI 00-9044-0 and 00-9046-0.
• Sold As: Individually.

PRO TIPS

1. The "Light Test" for Filtration Health

Don''t just guess if your filter is dirty by looking at the outside. Take the element out of the housing and hold a bright shop light or flashlight inside the center of the ring. If you cannot see light clearly passing through the pleated paper media, the microscopic pores are clogged with fine dust and silica. Even if the filter looks "okay" from the outside, a failed light test means your engine is struggling to breathe. In the air-cooled world, restricted intake air leads to higher cylinder head temperatures, so replace the element immediately if it fails this test.

2. Ensure a Perfect Seal to Prevent Vacuum Leaks

When installing this new element into your chrome air cleaner housing, pay close attention to the seating of the top and bottom plates. Over time, the thin metal of aftermarket air cleaner housings can warp or bow if the center wing nut is overtightened. Ensure the element is perfectly centered so the rubberized edges create a 360-degree seal. If there is even a tiny gap, "dirty" air will bypass the filter entirely and go straight into your carburetor jets, which can cause erratic idling and clogged air air bypass circuits in your Weber or Solex carb.

3. Managing Off-Road Dust Accumulation

If you are taking your Beetle or Buggy into heavy silt or sand, never attempt to "clean" a paper element by blowing it out with high-pressure compressed air from the inside out. While this might remove the visible chunks, it often tears the microscopic fibers of the paper or enlarges the pores, allowing larger particles to pass through later. For off-roaders, we recommend carrying a spare EMPI 00-9048-0 in your trunk or tool bag. It takes less than two minutes to swap, and it is much cheaper than rebuilding a top end because you "dusted" the engine with trail silt.