Billet Full Flow Oil Line Bracket, Polished, Sold Each, EMPI

OVERVIEW

When you are building a high-performance air-cooled engine, heat management and component organization are the keys to longevity and reliability. The EMPI Billet Full Flow Oil Line Bracket is an essential piece of hardware for any Volkswagen enthusiast running an external oil cooler or a full-flow oiling system. One of the most common points of failure in modified VW engines is oil line degradation caused by proximity to high-temperature exhaust headers. This bracket solves that problem by providing a secure, rigid mounting point that keeps your oil hoses exactly where they belong, preventing them from sagging, vibrating against sharp edges, or melting against your exhaust system. Whether you are running a 1600cc daily driver or a 2332cc stroker beast, maintaining proper clearance for your oiling circuit is not just a suggestionit''s a necessity to prevent catastrophic engine failure.

Crafted with the meticulous attention to detail that EMPI is known for, this bracket isn''t just functional; it is a show-stopping addition to your engine bay. Machined from high-quality billet aluminum and finished with a mirror-like polish, it adds a level of professional "race-ready" aesthetics that stamped steel brackets simply cannot match. The robust construction ensures that it won''t flex or fatigue under the intense vibrations of an air-cooled flat-four. Designed to mount directly to your exhaust flange or existing hardware locations, it offers a clean and streamlined way to route your lines away from the radiant heat of the cylinders and headers. This is the perfect finishing touch for a "California Look" Beetle, a rugged Baja Bug, or a high-end sand rail where every detail counts toward the overall build quality.

FITMENT

This Billet Full Flow Oil Line Bracket is designed for universal application on air-cooled Volkswagen engines equipped with external oil lines. It is compatible with the following models:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1946 through 1977 (Sedan and Convertible)
• Volkswagen Type 1 Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1971 (Single Port & Dual Port Upright Engines)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961 through 1973
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1975
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, Trikes, and Meyer''s Manx builds using VW-based powerplants.

SPECS

• Material: CNC-Machined 6061-T6 Billet Aluminum
• Finish: High-Luster Polished Mirror Finish
• Application: Full Flow Oil System Line Management
• Mounting Location: Typically mounts to exhaust header flange or engine case perimeter bolts
• Compatibility: Works with standard rubber oil hoses or stainless steel braided AN-style lines
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 17-2810-0
• Quantity: Sold Individually (Each)

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Prioritize Thermal Clearance

When installing the EMPI Billet Oil Line Bracket, always mock up your exhaust system and oil lines simultaneously. The primary goal is to maintain at least a one-inch air gap between the oil lines and the header tubes. Even with a high-quality billet bracket, radiant heat can still "cook" the oil inside the lines if they are too close. For maximum protection, consider using a thermal fire sleeve over your oil lines in the section where they pass the exhaust, using the bracket as the primary anchor point to keep the assembly rigid and stationary.

Tip 2: Use Anti-Seize on Exhaust Hardware

Since this bracket often mounts to the exhaust flange or nearby engine hardware, the bolts are subjected to extreme heat cycles. Always apply a small amount of high-temperature copper anti-seize to the threads of the bolts during installation. This prevents the hardware from galling or seizing into the cylinder head or exhaust flange over time, making future maintenance or engine teardowns significantly easier. Additionally, ensure you use a lock washer or a small drop of medium-strength thread locker if mounting to a non-exhaust location to prevent vibration from loosening the bracket.

Tip 3: Check for Vibration Rubbing

After the first 500 miles of driving with your new bracket installed, perform a "nut and bolt" check. Air-cooled engines are notorious for high-frequency vibrations that can cause hoses to chafe against the edges of even the smoothest billet brackets. If you notice any signs of wear on the outer jacket of your oil lines, you can add a small piece of split rubber vacuum hose or a grommet around the line where it contacts the bracket. This provides a "cushion" that preserves the integrity of your oil lines and keeps your polished bracket looking pristine without scratches from hose movement.