Shroud Spacer Kit, 1/4 Thick, for VW Cooling Tins, Pair

OVERVIEW

When building a high-performance air-cooled engine, precision is everything, but the physical dimensions of aftermarket components often create unforeseen challenges. One of the most common issues encountered by VW enthusiasts is the gap that forms between the fan shroud and the cylinder cooling tins, especially when using a stroker crank or a vintage-style 36hp shroud on a 1500-1600cc based engine. This gap isn''t just an aesthetic flaw; it is a major cooling liability. In an air-cooled system, the fan shroud acts as a pressurized plenum that forces air over the cylinder fins. Any gap allows that pressurized air to escape before it can do its job, leading to hot spots, increased cylinder head temperatures, and potential engine failure. These EMPI shroud spacers are engineered to bridge that critical 1/4-inch void, ensuring that every cubic foot of air moved by your fan is directed exactly where it belongs for maximum thermal efficiency.

Crafted from high-quality aluminum, this pair of spacers provides a durable and heat-resistant solution that stands up to the rigors of a high-revving flat-four. Whether you are building a show-quality Beetle or a rugged sand rail, maintaining the integrity of your cooling system is the best insurance policy you can buy for your engine. These spacers are specifically required for the popular conversion of placing a 36hp style shroud onto a modern dual-port engine case, a setup favored for its clean look and improved internal clearance for larger oil coolers. By installing these spacers, you eliminate the air "blow-by" that plagues so many custom builds, allowing your engine to run cooler and last longer under heavy loads. Don''t let a minor fitment issue compromise your entire cooling system; finish your build the right way with these essential 1/4-inch aluminum spacers from Appletree Automotive.

FITMENT

This shroud spacer kit is designed for Type 1 based air-cooled engines and is particularly essential for custom cooling configurations. Detailed fitment includes:

• VW Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• VW Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1971 (With Type 1 Upright Engine)
• VW Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Baja Bugs utilizing 1500cc or 1600cc based engine cases with aftermarket 36hp style shrouds.
• Engine Note: Mandatory for engines with increased width due to long-stroke (stroker) crankshafts and shimmed cylinders.

SPECS

The following technical specifications ensure these spacers meet the demands of your performance VW engine build:

• Material: High-grade stamped aluminum for corrosion resistance and heat dissipation.
• Thickness: 1/4 Inch (approximately 6.35mm) to bridge standard gaps.
• Quantity: Sold as a pair (Includes 2 pieces, one for each side of the shroud).
• Compatibility: Designed specifically for 36hp style aftermarket fan shrouds.
• Finish: Natural raw aluminum (can be polished, painted, or powder-coated).
• Installation Location: Positioned between the bottom edge of the fan shroud and the top of the cylinder head tin (cooling tins).

PRO TIPS

1. The Stroker Engine Necessity

If you are building a "stroker" engine using an 82mm or larger crankshaft, your engine is physically wider than a stock 1600cc. This added width moves the cylinder tins further apart, making it impossible for a standard shroud to sit flush. These 1/4-inch spacers are the industry standard solution to fill that gap. Always dry-fit your shroud before final assembly to see if you need to double-stack or slightly trim these spacers for a perfect, airtight seal. Remember, any air that escapes through a gap is air that isn''t cooling your expensive cylinder heads.

2. Achieving a True Airtight Seal

While the spacers fill the physical gap, metal-on-metal contact doesn''t always create a perfect seal due to vibrations and minor imperfections in the tins. We highly recommend using a thin bead of high-temperature RTV silicone or, better yet, a strip of adhesive-backed foam weatherstripping between the spacer and the shroud. This creates a gasket-like seal that prevents air "whistling" and ensures 100% of the fan''s output is directed downward through the cylinder fins. This is a "pro-level" detail that separates a standard build from a high-performance cooling system.

3. Aesthetic Matching and Finishing

Many builders spend a significant amount of time painting or powder-coating their fan shroud and tins to match the car. Since these spacers are made of raw aluminum, they can be easily customized. For a seamless look, we recommend scuffing them with a red Scotch-Brite pad and painting them the same color as your fan shroud. Alternatively, if you are running a chrome or polished engine theme, these aluminum spacers can be sanded with fine-grit paper and buffed to a high-mirror shine to complement your chrome accessories while still serving their critical mechanical function.