Barbed Fittings, Converts -8 To 1/2 Barb, 2 Pack

EMPI Barbed Fittings: The Ultimate Solution for High-Performance Oil System Plumbing

When building a high-performance air-cooled Volkswagen engine, managing oil temperature and filtration is paramount to the longevity of your build. Many enthusiasts upgrade to external oil coolers, remote filter pedestals, and full-flow pump covers that utilize -8 AN (Army-Navy) threaded ports. However, traditional high-pressure rubber oil hose is most commonly sized at a 1/2-inch inside diameter. This EMPI 2-pack of barbed fittings provides the perfect mechanical bridge between these two standards, allowing you to seamlessly integrate modern AN plumbing with cost-effective and flexible 1/2-inch oil lines. Whether you are plumbing a remote oil cooler on a rugged Baja Bug or a high-performance full-flow system on a weekend street cruiser, these fittings ensure a secure, leak-free connection that can handle the rigorous pressure spikes of a high-volume oil pump during cold starts.

Crafted with precision and finished in a durable blue anodizing, these adapters are designed to withstand the harsh, vibrating environment of the VW engine bay and the corrosive nature of hot engine oil. The barbed end features a specialized multi-tiered design that bites into the interior of the hose, providing maximum surface area for a hose clamp to secure the line. By utilizing a -8 AN female connection, these fittings eliminate the need for cumbersome NPT-to-barb adapters that can often lead to clearance issues or create multiple potential leak points. Choosing EMPI means you are trusting a brand that has been at the forefront of the air-cooled scene for decades. These fittings aren''t just about utility; they bring a professional, race-ready aesthetic to your engine compartment while providing the mechanical reliability required for long-distance cruising or off-road racing.

Vehicle Fitment & Application

These fittings are universal for any air-cooled VW oil system utilizing -8 AN lines, including:

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): All years and models equipped with external oil cooling or full-flow systems.
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971-1979 models with performance oil plumbing.
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter (Type 2): 1950-1979, ideal for upright or pancake engine external cooling.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years, perfect for tight engine bays requiring custom oil routing.
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): Custom external oil setups.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All years for rugged off-road oil filtration.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Universal application for any air-cooled based rail or tube chassis vehicle.

Technical Specifications

• Fitting Type: AN to Hose Barb Adapter
• AN Size: -8 AN (Female Swivel)
• Barb Size: 1/2 Inch (Fits 1/2" ID Oil Hose)
• Material: High-Grade Lightweight Aluminum
• Finish: Corrosion-Resistant Blue Anodized
• Quantity: 2 Fittings Per Pack
• Application: Oil Systems, Fuel Systems, and PCV Venting
• Part Number: 00-9288-0

Pro Tips from the Master Tech

Pro Tip 1: Use Quality Clamps for High Pressure. While a standard worm-gear clamp might work for a fuel line, your oil system can see pressures exceeding 80 PSI on a cold morning. I always recommend using fuel injection style clamps or T-bolt clamps on these barbs. These clamps provide 360-degree even pressure and won''t cut into the rubber hose like cheaper perforated clamps. It''s a small investment that prevents a massive mess or an engine-destroying oil leak down the road.

Pro Tip 2: Lubricate Before Assembly. Attempting to slide a dry 1/2-inch hose onto a dry barb can lead to internal tearing of the hose liner, which can eventually send rubber debris into your oiling galleries. I always apply a light film of fresh engine oil or a dedicated assembly lube to the barb before sliding the hose on. It makes the installation much smoother and ensures the hose seats fully against the hex base of the fitting for a professional look and a better seal.

Pro Tip 3: Don''t Over-Tighten the AN Side. Remember that AN fittings use a 37-degree flare to create a seal, not the threads themselves. You don''t need thread sealant or Teflon tape on the AN side of these fittings. Simply hand-tighten the female swivel onto your -8 AN male port, and then give it about an eighth to a quarter turn with a proper AN wrench. Over-tightening can deform the aluminum flare, leading to a permanent leak that no amount of tightening will fix.