Billet Aluminum Oil Sump Drain Plate, with Plug

OVERVIEW

If you have ever dealt with a persistent oil leak at the bottom of your air-cooled engine, you know exactly how frustrating the stock stamped steel sump plates can be. These thin factory plates are notorious for warping and distorting every time they are tightened, leading to a poor seal that no amount of RTV can truly fix. The EMPI Billet Aluminum Oil Sump Drain Plate is the definitive solution for the Volkswagen enthusiast who demands a leak-free garage floor and a professional-grade finish. Precision-machined from high-quality billet aluminum, this plate offers a rigid, perfectly flat mating surface that distributes pressure evenly across the gaskets, ensuring that your precious oil stays inside the case where it belongs. Unlike the flimsy original equipment, this billet version will not "dish" or "bow" under torque, providing a permanent upgrade to your engine''s oiling system.

Beyond its superior sealing capabilities, this oil sump plate adds a high-end, custom look to the underside of your Beetle, Karmann Ghia, or Bus. It is not just about aesthetics, though; functionality is at the forefront of this design. This kit includes a high-quality center drain plug, which allows for much faster and cleaner oil changes without the need to remove the entire plate and screen assembly every single time. We have bundled this plate as a comprehensive kit, including the necessary gaskets, copper washers, and cap nuts to ensure you have everything required for a seamless installation. Whether you are building a high-performance street engine or maintaining a reliable daily driver, this billet sump plate is a "must-have" component that addresses one of the most common weak points in the classic VW magnesium or aluminum case design.

FITMENT

This Billet Aluminum Oil Sump Drain Plate is designed for use on all Type 1, 2, and 3 air-cooled engines (1200cc to 1600cc based cases). It fits the following models:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1954 through 1971 (Up to 1600cc Dual Port)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1973
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Kit Cars using VW Type 1 based engines.

SPECS

• Material: CNC Machined Billet Aluminum for maximum rigidity.
• Finish: Natural Machined Aluminum.
• Drain Plug: Included (Threaded center plug for easy oil drainage).
• Gaskets Included: Two (2) high-quality paper sump gaskets.
• Hardware Included: Set of six (6) cap nuts and copper sealing washers for the studs.
• Drain Plug Seal: Includes one (1) large copper crush washer for the center plug.
• Part Number: 16-8964-0 (EMPI).
• Weight: Approximately 0.64 lbs.

PRO TIPS

1. The Proper Gasket Sandwich Technique

To achieve a 100% leak-proof seal, you must follow the correct "sandwich" order when installing this plate. Start with a clean engine case surface, then place the first gasket, followed by the oil strainer screen, then the second gasket, and finally the billet sump plate. Avoid using heavy silicone sealants; a light coating of Permatex Aviation Form-A-Gasket or a similar non-hardening sealer on the paper gaskets is often all that is needed to ensure a perfect seal without clogging your oil pickup screen with excess RTV chunks.

2. Torque Settings and Stud Care

The small 6mm studs that hold the sump plate in place are very easy to snap or strip if you over-tighten them. When installing your new billet plate, use a torque wrench and tighten the cap nuts in a "star" pattern to approximately 5 to 7 foot-pounds (60 to 84 inch-pounds). Because the billet plate does not distort like the stock steel plate, you do not need to "crank down" on the nuts to get a seal. If your case studs are loose or have damaged threads, now is the perfect time to replace them with a fresh set of sump studs before bolting on your new plate.

3. Routine Maintenance and Screen Inspection

While the included drain plug makes oil changes much cleaner, don''t fall into the habit of never removing the plate. We recommend removing the entire billet plate and the internal oil strainer screen every other oil change (or at least once a year) to inspect for any debris. The screen is your engine''s primary defense against large particles; cleaning it thoroughly with brake cleaner ensures optimal oil flow to the pump. Always use fresh copper washers for the cap nuts and the drain plug every time they are loosened to prevent "weeping" leaks.