Dog House Engine Tin, for Doghouse Style Fan Shroud, Chrome

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the longevity of your air-cooled flat-four, heat is the ultimate enemy. This EMPI Chrome Dog House Engine Tin is more than just a shiny accessory; it is a vital component of the late-model cooling system designed to vent hot air from the oil cooler directly out of the engine compartment. By utilizing a two-piece design that wraps around the rear of a doghouse-style fan shroud, this tin ensures that the heat exchanged from your oil doesn''t recirculate into the cooling fins of your cylinders and heads. Whether you are building a high-performance 1600cc street motor or refreshing a classic Beetle, this chrome-plated tinware provides the necessary ducting to keep your oil temperatures in check while adding a brilliant, show-ready luster to your engine bay.

Engineered to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, this kit includes the necessary rubber seals to create a tight, airtight fit against the shroud and the rear engine tin. In the world of VW cooling, gaps are your worst nightmare, and EMPI has designed this set to eliminate turbulent airflow and maximize the velocity of exiting air. The chrome finish is applied over high-quality stamped steel, offering a durable surface that resists the grime and oil common in air-cooled environments. Don''t settle for rusty, pitted, or bent original tinware when you can upgrade to a component that balances thermal management with a custom aesthetic that stands out at any local VW show or cruise-in. This is the essential finishing touch for any doghouse conversion or restoration project.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1971-1977 (Sedan & Convertible)
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971-1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1971-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1971 (1600cc Type 1 Engine only)
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Any Type 1 engine (1300-1600cc+) converted to a Doghouse style fan shroud and offset oil cooler.

SPECS

• Part Number: 00-8896-0
• Material: Heavy-duty stamped steel
• Finish: Triple-process high-gloss chrome
• Components: 2-Piece main tin assembly
• Included Accessories: Rubber seals for the doghouse exit
• Compatibility: Designed specifically for Doghouse (offset) oil cooler shrouds
• Weight: 1.18 lbs
• Installation: Bolt-on design using standard tinware screws

PRO TIPS

1. Check for Airtight Seal Integrity

The primary reason for the "Doghouse" design is to isolate the oil cooler''s hot air from the rest of the engine. When installing this chrome tin, ensure that the included rubber seals are seated perfectly against the fan shroud and the rear engine tin. Any gap here will allow hot air to be sucked back into the cooling fan, which can raise your cylinder head temperatures by 20 to 30 degrees. If you find small gaps due to aftermarket shroud variations, a small bead of high-temp RTV silicone can help ensure a 100% airtight path for that hot air to exit the vehicle.

2. Pre-Fit Before Final Assembly

Chrome plating can sometimes add a fraction of thickness to the edges of the metal, or the heating process during plating can cause minor "spring" in the stamped steel. I always recommend pre-fitting your engine tin before your engine is fully dressed. Ensure the two pieces of the doghouse tin interlock smoothly and that the screw holes align with your fan shroud. If necessary, use a small round file to slightly elongate a mounting hole rather than forcing a screw, which could lead to stripping the threads in your shroud or scratching the beautiful chrome finish.

3. Maintain the Shine Without Scratches

Chrome engine tin looks amazing, but it lives in a harsh environment. To keep this tin looking "Best in Show," never use abrasive cleaners or steel wool to remove road grime or oil mist. Use a high-quality microfiber towel and a dedicated chrome polish or a quick detailer spray. Because these tins sit directly behind the shroud, they are often overlooked during cleaning; make it a habit to wipe them down after every oil change to prevent heat-cycling from "baking" oil stains into the chrome surface, ensuring it stays bright for years to reach.