Air Cleaner Element, 6-3/8 Diameter, 2-1/2 Tall, Gauze

OVERVIEW

Your air-cooled VW engine breathes through its carburetor, and providing it with a clean, high-flow air supply is the single most important factor in maintaining internal health and peak performance. This EMPI 6-3/8 inch diameter gauze air cleaner element is engineered to replace restrictive or dirty paper filters, offering a significant upgrade in both filtration efficiency and airflow volume. Whether you are cruising the boulevard in a classic Beetle or tearing up the dunes in a rail buggy, this gauze element ensures that abrasive dust and debris stay out of your cylinders while allowing the engine to draw in the maximum amount of oxygen needed for a crisp throttle response. Unlike disposable paper filters that clog quickly and end up in the landfill, this premium gauze material is designed for longevity and can be serviced multiple times, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice for any serious VW enthusiast who understands that clean air is the lifeblood of a flat-four engine.

Specifically designed to fit a wide variety of aftermarket air cleaner assemblies, this 2-1/2 inch tall element is the standard for many Weber Progressive and stock-style chrome replacement housings. Its robust construction features a pleated design that maximizes surface area, which is critical for maintaining high flow rates even as the filter captures contaminants. The gauze material is reinforced to prevent collapsing under high vacuum, ensuring that your engine never starves for air during high-RPM pulls or heavy-load climbing. By upgrading to this EMPI element, you are investing in the long-term reliability of your power plant, protecting your piston rings and valve seats from the premature wear caused by ''dusted'' engines that have been run with inferior or neglected filtration systems. It is the perfect balance of vintage aesthetic and modern filtration technology for your Volkswagen.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle: 1950-1979 (With aftermarket 6-3/8 inch air cleaner assemblies)
• VW Super Beetle: 1971-1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974
• VW Bus / Type 2: 1950-1971 (Commonly used with Weber Progressive carb conversions)
• VW Type 3: 1962-1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• VW Thing: 1973-1974
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: All years utilizing 6-3/8 inch round air cleaners
• Carburetor Compatibility: Fits Weber DGV, DGAV, DFEV Progressive series and various stock replacement chrome air cleaners

SPECS

• Part Number: 00-8975-0
• Outer Diameter: 6-3/8 Inches
• Inner Diameter: 5-1/8 Inches
• Height: 2-1/2 Inches
• Filter Material: High-flow multi-layer cotton gauze
• Reusable: Yes (Washable and re-oilable)
• Seal Material: High-durability flexible urethane
• Reinforcement: Epoxy-coated wire mesh for structural integrity

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Oiling is Critical

Always remember that a gauze air filter element is designed to be used with specialized air filter oil. While the filter may look ready to go out of the box, you must ensure it has a uniform coating of oil to effectively trap fine dust particles. Apply the oil evenly along the crown of each pleat and allow it to wick for 20 minutes until the entire element has a consistent color. Never over-oil the element, as excess oil can be sucked into the carburetor, potentially clogging air air-jets or causing stumbling issues. A properly oiled filter feels slightly tacky to the touch but does not drip.

2. Inspect the Sealing Surface

When installing this element into your chrome air cleaner housing, pay close attention to the seal between the rubber ends of the filter and the metal plates. Over time, the top or bottom plates of inexpensive chrome air cleaners can warp if the center wing nut is over-tightened. Ensure the plates are flat and that the filter element is centered perfectly. If there is even a small gap, unfiltered air will bypass the gauze entirely, carrying harmful grit directly into your engine. A small bead of specialized sealing grease on the rubber ends can provide an extra layer of protection in extremely dusty off-road environments.

3. Maintenance and Cleaning Intervals

Don''t wait until your engine starts losing power to clean your filter. In a daily driver, we recommend inspecting the gauze every 5,000 miles, but if you are running in the dirt or sand, you should check it after every outing. To clean the element, use a dedicated gauze filter cleaner to break down the old oil and dirt. Always rinse the filter from the inside out with low-pressure water to push the dirt away from the element rather than through it. Let the filter air dry naturally; never use compressed air to dry it, as high-pressure air can tear the delicate cotton fibers and create "holes" in your filtration barrier.