Bellhousing Front Tin, Beetle 70 and Later, Black

OVERVIEW

In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, heat is the ultimate enemy, and the EMPI Bellhousing Front Tin is your first line of defense in the battle for engine longevity. This precision-stamped component, often referred to as the "firewall tin" or "bellhousing tin," serves a critical function that goes far beyond mere aesthetics. In an air-cooled system, the engine relies on a strict pressure differential to keep cool. This tin acts as a vital air dam, sealing the gap between the engine case and the transmission bellhousing area. Without it, the cooling fan would scavenge hot, turbulent air rising from the exhaust system and heat-soaked transmission, recycling it back through the cylinder heads and barrels. By installing this high-quality EMPI piece, you ensure that only fresh, ambient air is pulled into the fan shroud, maintaining the thermal integrity of your 1600cc-based powerplant and preventing the catastrophic warped heads or dropped valve seats that plague poorly cooled engines.

Beyond its mechanical necessity, this front tin is designed to provide a professional, show-ready finish to your engine bay. Finished in a durable, high-gloss black powdercoat, it offers significantly better corrosion resistance than the original thin paint used by the factory. This part is specifically engineered for 1970 and later Type 1 configurations, featuring the correct contours to clear the dual-relief oil pressure bores and the specific lip required to mate with the rear engine seal. Whether you are performing a ground-up restoration on a Super Beetle or simply replacing rusted, thin, or missing sheet metal on your daily driver, this EMPI component provides the perfect blend of OEM-style fitment and aftermarket durability. Don''t let a missing piece of sheet metal lead to an overheated engine; finish your build with the part that seals the deal on performance and protection.

FITMENT

This bellhousing front tin is designed for Type 1 engines in the following applications:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1970 through 1977 (Standard models).
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1970 through 1974.
• Engine Compatibility: Primarily designed for 1600cc dual-port engines and dual-relief cases, but backward compatible with earlier 1600cc single-port upright engines used in 1970 chassis.
• Note: Not for use on Type 2 Bus, Type 3, or Type 4 engines.

SPECS

• Part Number: 00-8959-P
• OEM Reference: 113-119-517S
• Material: Heavy-duty stamped steel for maximum rigidity.
• Finish: Gloss Black Powdercoat for superior chemical and heat resistance.
• Location: Front of engine (facing the front of the vehicle, over the bellhousing).
• Design: Precision-contoured for 1970+ dual-relief engine cases.
• Installation: Uses standard M6-1.0 engine tin screws.

PRO TIPS

1. The Importance of the "H" Seal

Simply bolting this tin to your engine is only half the job. To truly protect your engine from overheating, you must ensure that the rubber "H" seal (the engine-to-body seal) is properly seated in the channel of this tin. If there is a gap between this tin and the firewall of your Beetle, hot air from the exhaust will bypass the tin and get sucked right back into the cooling fan. Always inspect your rubber seals during installation; if they are cracked or brittle, replace them at the same time you install your new EMPI tin to ensure a 100% airtight thermal barrier.

2. Check for Case Clearance

When installing new powdercoated tin on a freshly rebuilt engine, always "mock up" the fitment before final tightening. Sometimes, aftermarket oil pressure senders or larger-than-stock oil coolers can interfere with the seating of the front tin. Because this EMPI piece is built to OEM specifications, it fits tightly against the case. Ensure that no wires or fuel lines are pinched between the tin and the engine case, as the vibration of the air-cooled engine can eventually chaff through the insulation, leading to electrical shorts or fuel leaks.

3. Manage Your Hardware

It is incredibly common for the small M6 tin screws to vibrate loose over time, which can lead to annoying rattles or, worse, the tin falling into the moving parts of the clutch or pulley system. When installing this gloss black tin, we highly recommend using a small drop of blue (medium strength) thread locker on each screw. Additionally, ensure you are using the correct wide-flange tin screws or adding a flat washer; this prevents the screw heads from "pulling through" the sheet metal over years of heat cycles and vibration, keeping your engine bay tight and silent.