Air Cleaner, for 40-48 IDF Weber, & HPMX Carbs 1-3/4 Tall

OVERVIEW

Elevate your engine bay''s performance and aesthetics with the EMPI high-flow air cleaner assembly, specifically engineered for the legendary Weber IDF and EMPI HPMX carburetor series. This air cleaner is the gold standard for air-cooled Volkswagen enthusiasts who refuse to compromise between filtration efficiency and show-quality style. Constructed from heavy-duty steel with a brilliant, deep chrome finish, this unit provides a rigid and durable housing that resists the heat-cycling warping common in inferior plastic or thin-gauge metal alternatives. The low-profile design is particularly crucial for dual-carburetor setups where vertical clearance is at a premium, ensuring that your high-performance induction system fits snugly under the decklid of your classic Beetle, Karmann Ghia, or Type 2 Bus without sacrificing the air volume necessary for peak combustion.

Beyond its striking appearance, this air cleaner assembly is built for practical longevity and superior engine protection. It features a high-performance, washable gauze filtration element that captures harmful particulates before they can enter your carburetor throats and cause internal engine wear. Unlike disposable paper filters, this gauze element can be cleaned and re-oiled, making it a cost-effective, long-term solution for your dual-carbureted powerhouse. The assembly utilizes a robust snap-clip retention system, allowing for quick, tool-free access to the filter element when you need to perform routine maintenance or make jetting adjustments at the track. Each kit comes complete with the necessary base gaskets and mounting hardware, providing a comprehensive solution to seal out unfiltered air and keep your 40, 44, or 48 series carburetors running at their absolute best.

FITMENT

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

• Carburetor Compatibility: Weber 40 IDF, Weber 44 IDF, Weber 48 IDF.
• Carburetor Compatibility: EMPI HPMX 40mm, 44mm, and 48mm series.
• Carburetor Compatibility: Dellorto DRLA 36, 40, 45, and 48 (may require slight base plate adjustment).
• VW Beetle: All years equipped with dual IDF/HPMX upright engine configurations.
• VW Karmann Ghia: Ideal for low-clearance decklid applications.
• VW Bus / Type 2: Fits Type 1 engine conversions and upright cooling kits.
• VW Type 3: Fits Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback with dual carburetors.
• VW Thing (Type 181): Perfect for off-road environments requiring washable filtration.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Compatible with all air-cooled VW-based tube chassis.

SPECS

• Height: 1-3/4 Inches (Low-Profile Design).
• Length: 6-3/4 Inches.
• Width: 4-1/2 Inches.
• Material: Heavy-Duty Stamped Steel.
• Finish: Show-Quality Mirror Chrome Plating.
• Filter Media: High-Flow Washable Cotton Gauze.
• Attachment Style: Heavy-Duty Spring Tension Snap Clips.
• Inclusions: Chrome Top Plate, Base Plate, Filter Element, Base Gasket, and Hardware.
• Part Number: EMPI 00-8805-0.

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Oiling of the Gauze Element

While the washable gauze element provides superior airflow, it relies on specialized filter oil to effectively trap fine dust and silica. Before your final installation, ensure the element is properly treated with a high-quality red or blue air filter oil. Apply the oil evenly along the crown of each pleat and allow it to "wick" or spread for at least 20 minutes. Avoid over-saturating the filter, as excess oil can be drawn into the carburetor air air bleeds and idle circuits, leading to stumbling or poor idle quality. A properly oiled filter will have a uniform color with no white spots visible on the gauze.

2. Verify Decklid and Rain Tray Clearance

The 1-3/4 inch height of this air cleaner is specifically chosen to solve clearance issues, but every VW body is slightly different, especially if you are using manifold spacers or tall velocity stacks. Before slamming your decklid shut for the first time, use a small piece of "Play-Doh" or modeling clay on top of the air cleaner. Slowly close the decklid, then open it to see how much the clay has been compressed. This ensures you won''t dent your lid or scratch the chrome finish. If you are running a Beetle with a rain tray, you may need to trim the plastic tray or use decklid stand-offs to provide adequate breathing room for the filters.

3. Achieving a Vacuum-Tight Seal

Air leaks at the base of the air cleaner can allow "unfiltered" air into your engine, which can lead to premature cylinder wall wear. When installing the base plate onto the carburetor, ensure the included gasket is perfectly centered. We recommend using a tiny dab of grease or a light tack adhesive to hold the gasket in place on the carburetor flange during assembly. When tightening the mounting hardware, do so in a cross-pattern to apply even pressure. This prevents the base plate from tilting or warping, ensuring that all air entering the engine is forced through the filtration media rather than leaking in through the bottom.