Air Deflector Plate, for Type 1 & 3 VW, 10mm Stud Sold Each

Keep Your Engine Running Cool with the Essential EMPI Air Deflector Plate

When it comes to the longevity of an air-cooled Volkswagen engine, heat is your absolute worst enemy. The EMPI Air Deflector Plate, also known in the VW community as the "cool tin" or "under-cylinder deflector," is a small but vital component that plays a massive role in thermal management. These plates are designed to snap directly onto the cylinder studs between the barrels, sitting underneath the cylinders to force the downward-flowing air from the fan housing to wrap around the bottom of the cylinder fins. Without these deflectors, cooling air simply rushes past the cylinders and exits the bottom of the engine too quickly, leaving the underside of your engine barrels and the critical area around the exhaust valves to overheat. This leads to warped heads, dropped valve seats, and premature engine failure. Whether you are building a stock 1600cc daily driver or a high-performance weekend warrior, skipping these plates is simply not an option for a reliable build.

Manufactured by EMPI to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, these deflector plates are finished in a durable coating to resist the harsh environment of the engine bay. Many builders often find these missing on used engines or find their original units rusted through and ineffective. These plates are sold individually, and a standard Type 1 or Type 3 engine requires exactly twoone for the 1 & 2 side and one for the 3 & 4 side. While some enthusiasts opt for the larger, wrap-around industrial-style cooling tins, these factory-style deflectors remain the gold standard for most street applications because they provide the necessary air turbulence to ensure every square inch of the cylinder cooling fins receives adequate airflow. Don''t let a three-dollar part be the reason your multi-thousand-dollar engine investment goes up in smoke; ensure your cooling system is complete with these high-quality deflectors.

Detailed Fitment for Type 1 and Type 3 Volkswagens

This air deflector plate is designed for use on all upright Type 1 based engines and Type 3 pancake engines. It is compatible with the following models:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1971 (Upright engines only)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1973
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Fits most Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing a VW Type 1 engine case and cylinders.

Technical Specifications and Materials

Every detail matters when it comes to engine cooling. Here are the technical specifications for the EMPI 311-119-317A deflector plate:

• OEM Part Number Reference: 311-119-317A
• Material: Heavy-duty stamped spring steel for a secure tension fit.
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant black coating.
• Installation Location: Snaps onto the lower cylinder studs between the cylinders.
• Quantity Required: 2 per engine (Sold individually).
• Compatibility: Fits 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based engines (including big-bore 1776cc, 1835cc, etc.).
• Function: Redirects vertical airflow to wrap around the underside of the cylinder barrels.

Master Specialist Pro Tips for Installation

Pro Tip 1: Verify the Tension Fit

When installing these plates, they should "snap" into place across the cylinder studs. If the plate feels loose or rattles, you can gently bend the tabs slightly to increase the tension. A loose deflector plate won''t just fail to direct air properly; it can vibrate against the cylinder fins, creating an annoying metallic "pinging" sound that many owners mistake for internal engine noise. Always ensure they are seated firmly against the bottom of the cylinders before you install your lower pushrod tube guards or "cool bits."

Pro Tip 2: Orientation is Key

It is surprisingly common for novice builders to install these upside down or backwards. The "wings" of the deflector should curve upward toward the cylinders, effectively "cupping" the bottom of the barrels. This shape is what forces the air to swirl around the cylinder rather than just dropping straight out. If you install them backwards, you are essentially creating an air dam that can cause hot spots. Always double-check your factory service manual or look for the "V" shape to be pointing toward the center of the engine case.

Pro Tip 3: Don''t Forget the Pushrod Tubes

The easiest time to install these air deflector plates is after the cylinders and heads are on, but BEFORE you install the pushrod tubes and the lower cylinder tins. While it is possible to wiggle them into place on a fully assembled engine, it is significantly more difficult and you risk scratching your pushrod tubes or failing to get the plate fully seated on the studs. If you are doing a "top end" refresh, make these plates the very first piece of tinware you reinstall once the heads are torqued down. Also, ensure your pushrod tubes are not crushed or bent in a way that interferes with the deflector''s ability to sit flush.