Billet Full Flow Oil Line Bracket, Black, Sold Each

OVERVIEW

In the world of high-performance air-cooled engines, heat management and component security are the two most critical factors for longevity. The EMPI Billet Full Flow Oil Line Bracket is a precision-engineered solution designed to tackle the common problem of "floppy" oil lines in engines equipped with external oil filtration or cooling systems. When you transition to a full-flow oil system, you are often left with long runs of rubber or braided stainless steel lines that can vibrate, sag, or rub against the chassis. This bracket provides a rock-solid mounting point that secures your oil lines directly to the exhaust flange area, ensuring they stay exactly where you want them. By providing this rigid support, you effectively eliminate the risk of line fatigue and ensure that your oiling system remains intact even under the high-vibration environment of a performance flat-four engine.

Beyond the functional benefits of line stability, this bracket is a crucial safety component for any VW enthusiast running a performance header. One of the leading causes of engine fires and oil system failure in air-cooled Volkswagens is oil lines coming into contact with scorching hot exhaust pipes. This billet bracket acts as a mandatory spacer, keeping your oil lines safely routed away from the header tubes. Crafted from high-quality billet aluminum with a sleek black anodized finish, it doesn''t just perform a vital function; it also adds a professional, "race-ready" look to your engine bay. Whether you are building a weekend warrior, a dedicated drag racer, or a rugged off-road dune buggy, this bracket is the finishing touch that separates a professional build from a backyard project. It''s an inexpensive insurance policy against melted lines and catastrophic oil loss.

FITMENT

This Billet Full Flow Oil Line Bracket is designed for universal application on air-cooled Volkswagen engines equipped with full-flow oil systems and aftermarket headers. It typically mounts using the existing exhaust studs or bolts.

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle, Karmann Ghia (All years with full-flow oil systems).
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, Kombi (1950-1971 with Type 1 style engines).
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, Notchback.
• Volkswagen Type 181: Thing.
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Baja Bugs using VW-based air-cooled powerplants.
• Compatibility Note: Designed specifically for use with external oil lines (typically 1/2-inch or -8 AN lines).

SPECS

• Material: CNC-Machined High-Grade Billet Aluminum.
• Finish: Premium Black Anodized for corrosion resistance and aesthetics.
• Part Number: 17-2809-0.
• Mounting Style: Exhaust flange mount (mounts to standard VW exhaust studs).
• Line Capacity: Designed to hold two oil lines securely.
• Included Hardware: Sold as each (bracket only).
• Application: Full Flow Oil Systems / External Oil Coolers.

PRO TIPS

1. Prevent Line Chafing with Proper Tension

When installing your oil lines through the billet bracket, it is essential to ensure that there is enough slack in the lines to account for engine torque and movement, but not so much that they rub against the bracket itself. Even though the billet aluminum is smooth, thousands of miles of engine vibration can eventually wear through a rubber hose. We recommend using a small piece of heat-shrink tubing or a thin rubber sleeve over the portion of the oil line that sits inside the bracket. This creates a "soft" interface that prevents the metal-to-hose friction from causing a leak over time. Double-check your clearances while the engine is running to ensure nothing is vibrating excessively against the bracket edges.

2. Optimize Heat Protection with Thermal Sleeving

While this bracket does an excellent job of keeping the oil lines physically separated from the exhaust headers, the radiant heat in that area is still incredibly high. For the ultimate "bulletproof" setup, we suggest wrapping your oil lines in fire-resistant thermal sleeving (often called "fire sleeve") before securing them in the bracket. This provides a secondary layer of protection against the intense heat radiating from the exhaust. Since the black anodized bracket is a heat sink, keeping the lines insulated ensures that your oil temperatures stay as low as possible before reaching the cooler. This is especially important for Type 2 Buses and off-road vehicles where airflow around the exhaust can be limited.

3. Alignment is Key During Exhaust Installation

The best time to install this bracket is when you are mounting your headers. Because this bracket shares the mounting studs with your exhaust flange, you want to make sure the bracket is perfectly perpendicular to the engine case before you perform the final torque on your exhaust nuts. If the bracket is slightly "cocked" or angled, it can put an awkward side-load on your oil lines, which might lead to stress at the oil pump or filter pump cover fittings. Loosely install the exhaust and the bracket, route your lines to find the natural "path of least resistance," and then tighten everything down. Don''t forget to use high-quality copper exhaust nuts to ensure the bracket stays secure through countless heat cycles.