Billet Distributor Hold Down Clamp, for Type 1

OVERVIEW

Precision is the cornerstone of a high-performance air-cooled engine, and nothing ruins a perfectly tuned Volkswagen motor faster than ignition timing that wanders. The EMPI Billet Distributor Hold Down Clamp is engineered to eliminate the flex and slip common with standard stamped steel clamps. When you are pushing your Type 1 engine to the limitwhether it is on the drag strip, a rugged off-road trail, or just cruising the highwayyou need to know that your distributor is locked firmly in place. This billet aluminum masterpiece provides a much larger surface area for clamping force, ensuring that once you set your timing with a light, it stays exactly where you want it. For any serious builder, this isn''t just an aesthetic upgrade; it is a critical component for maintaining engine longevity and peak power output.

Beyond the functional reliability, the EMPI 3518-11 adds a level of professional finish to your engine bay that stock components simply cannot match. CNC-machined from high-grade aluminum, this clamp features a brilliant polished finish that resists corrosion and grime much better than the original zinc-plated steel versions. It is designed to work seamlessly with all standard Type 1 engine cases and fits perfectly with both stock distributors and aftermarket performance units like the Bosch 009 or EMPI electronic distributors. When you open your decklid at a show or at the track, this clamp signals to everyone that you haven''t overlooked a single detail in your pursuit of air-cooled excellence. It is the ultimate combination of form and function for the discerning VW enthusiast.

FITMENT

This billet distributor clamp is designed for the Volkswagen Type 1 engine case and its derivatives. It fits the following models and years:

• VW Beetle (Standard & Super): 1946 through 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• VW Bus / Transporter (Type 2): 1950 through 1971 (with 1200cc, 1500cc, or 1600cc engines)
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• VW Squareback, Fastback, Notchback (Type 3): 1962 through 1973
• Custom Applications: All Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Kit Cars utilizing a VW Type 1 based engine block.

SPECS

The technical specifications for the EMPI Billet Distributor Hold Down Clamp ensure a perfect fit and long-lasting durability:

• Material: 6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Billet Aluminum.
• Finish: High-Luster Polished Machined Finish.
• Hardware: Includes high-tensile chrome-plated mounting bolt.
• Compatibility: Works with all standard 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based Type 1 engine cases.
• Distributor Fitment: Compatible with Bosch 009, 034, Vacuum Advance, and all EMPI Electronic Distributors.
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 3518-11 (Cross-reference: 00-8912-0).
• Installation: Direct bolt-on replacement for the factory VW part number 111-905-251.

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: Clean the Case Surface. Before installing your new billet clamp, ensure the mounting surface on the engine case is completely free of old oil, road grime, or corrosion. Since the billet aluminum provides a more rigid and precise clamping force than the stock stamped steel, any debris underneath the clamp can prevent it from seating perfectly flat. Use a small wire brush or a dab of degreaser on a rag to clean the stud area on the case. A clean mating surface ensures the clamp applies even pressure around the distributor neck, preventing "creep" during high-vibration off-road use.

Pro Tip 2: Don''t Over-Torque the Bolt. While this clamp is much stronger than the original, the engine case it bolts into is made of relatively soft magnesium or aluminum alloy. You want the clamp to be tight enough that the distributor cannot be rotated by hand, but you must avoid cranking down on the bolt with excessive force. Over-tightening can strip the threads in the case or, in extreme cases, distort the distributor housing itself, which can lead to internal shaft binding. Use a small amount of blue thread-locker on the bolt threads to ensure it stays tight without needing to over-torque it.

Pro Tip 3: Check Your O-Ring. When you have the distributor out or loose to install this clamp, always take a moment to inspect the rubber O-ring on the distributor shaft. If the O-ring is flattened, cracked, or missing, oil will leak up and out of the distributor hole, making a mess of your beautiful new billet clamp. Since the EMPI Billet Clamp provides such a tight, secure hold, it works best when the distributor is properly sealed. Replacing that 50-cent O-ring now will keep your engine bay looking clean and prevent vacuum leaks or oil spray from ruining your timing marks.