Air Cleaner, for 32/36 Progressive DGV, 1-3/4 Tall

Product Overview

When you''re running a 32/36 Progressive carburetor on your air-cooled powerplant, engine bay real estate becomes a premium commodity. This EMPI 1-3/4 inch tall rectangular air cleaner assembly is specifically engineered to provide maximum filtration efficiency without the bulk of oversized units. Designed with a sleek, chrome-plated finish, this unit doesn''t just protect your internal engine components from dust and debris; it adds a professional, show-ready aesthetic to your engine compartment. The low-profile design is a lifesaver for Beetle owners and kit car builders who struggle with decklid clearance or tight firewalls, ensuring that your Weber or EMPI progressive carb gets the clean air it craves without rubbing against the bodywork.

Maintenance is often a chore on high-performance setups, but this assembly simplifies the process with a robust, heavy-duty clip design. Instead of fumbling with tiny screws that inevitably fall into the cooling tins, these spring-loaded clips allow for instantaneous access to the filter element or the carburetor throat for tuning adjustments. The high-flow filter media is designed to optimize the air-to-fuel ratio, allowing your 32/36 DGV to breathe deeply during the transition from the primary to the secondary venturi. Whether you''re cruising the strip in a Cal-Look Beetle or tackling the dunes in a rail, this air cleaner provides the reliable seal and high-flow capacity required to keep your flat-four running at peak performance.

Vehicle and Carburetor Fitment

• Weber Carburetor Models: 32/36 DGV, DGAV, DGEV Progressive series.
• EMPI Carburetor Models: 32/36 EPC Progressive series.
• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950-1979 (with Progressive carb conversion).
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971-1979 (with Progressive carb conversion).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974.
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1950-1971 (Split Window and early Bay Window).
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974.
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Manx-style kits using a Type 1 upright engine.

Technical Specifications

• Overall Height: 1-3/4 Inches (Low Profile).
• Length: 6-3/4 Inches.
• Width: 4-1/2 Inches.
• Finish: High-Luster Chrome Plating.
• Housing Material: Stamped Steel Top and Base Plates.
• Filter Media: High-Flow Replaceable Element.
• Attachment Style: Quick-Release Tension Clips.
• Base Plate Geometry: Rectangular, specific to Progressive carburetor flange patterns.

Pro Tips from the Garage

Tip 1: Check Your Decklid Clearance Early

While the 1-3/4 inch height is designed to be low-profile, every VW is slightly different, especially when using aftermarket intake manifolds or carb spacers. Before slamming your decklid shut for the first time after installation, place a small ball of aluminum foil or clay on top of the air cleaner. Gently close the lid and then open it back up. If the foil is flattened, you may need to look into a decklid stand-off kit or check your engine mounts to ensure the engine isn''t sitting too high. This prevents the chrome top from vibrating against the paint and causing unsightly scratches or structural damage.

Tip 2: Ensure a Perfect Gasket Seal

The base plate of this air cleaner must sit perfectly flush on the top of your 32/36 carburetor. We highly recommend applying a light smear of grease or a specialized gasket sealer to the mounting gasket between the carb and the air cleaner base. This ensures that 100% of the air entering your engine is passing through the filtration media. Even a tiny gap can allow "dirty" air to bypass the filter, which leads to premature wear on your rings and cylinders. Always double-check that the clips are fully seated and providing even downward pressure across the entire perimeter of the filter element.

Tip 3: Synchronize Maintenance with Your Oil Changes

Air-cooled engines are notoriously sensitive to air-to-fuel ratios because they rely on that air not just for combustion, but for a portion of their cooling efficiency. A clogged or dirty air filter will cause the engine to run rich, which leads to carbon buildup on the valves and increased cylinder temperatures. We recommend inspecting this filter every time you change your oil. Since the clips make it so easy to open, there is no excuse for running a dirty element. If you drive in dusty environments or off-road, check it even more frequently to keep your Weber or EMPI carb performing like the day you jetted it.