Bellhousing Front Tin, Beetle 70 and Later

OVERVIEW

In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, heat is the ultimate enemy, and managing the airflow around your engine is the only way to ensure longevity and performance. The EMPI Bellhousing Front Tin, specifically designed for 1970 and later Type 1 engines, is a critical component in the pressurized cooling system of your Beetle or Karmann Ghia. This piece of sheet metal sits at the very front of the engine (relative to the vehicle''s orientation), sealing the gap between the engine case and the transmission bellhousing. Without this tin, the cooling fan will inadvertently pull in "spent" hot air that has already passed over the cylinders and through the oil cooler, leading to a rapid spike in cylinder head temperatures and potential engine failure. This is not just a cosmetic piece; it is a fundamental part of the air-management ducting that keeps your 1600cc dual-port engine running within its optimal thermal range.

Crafted to meet or exceed original equipment standards, this front tin features a high-gloss black finish that provides a clean, professional look to any engine bay restoration. Whether you are building a show-quality Beetle or a reliable daily driver, the fitment of your engine tin is paramount. This specific model is designed for the "doghouse" style cooling systems introduced in 1970, which utilized a wider fan shroud and an external oil cooler. Because the 1970-and-later engines moved more air than their predecessors, having a crisp, well-fitting bellhousing tin is even more vital to maintain the pressure differential between the top and bottom of the engine. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that "good enough" doesn''t cut it for air-cooled enthusiasts, which is why we offer this EMPI component as a robust solution to replace rusted, dented, or missing factory sheet metal.

FITMENT

This bellhousing front tin is designed for the following Volkswagen models equipped with the 1600cc engine and doghouse-style cooling:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Note: Specifically designed for vehicles utilizing the 113-119-517S OEM style configuration.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 4589-21
• OEM Reference Number: 113-119-517S
• Material: Heavy-gauge stamped steel for maximum durability and vibration resistance.
• Finish: High-quality gloss black powder-coat/paint for corrosion protection.
• Weight: Approximately 0.81 lbs.
• Placement: Front of engine (Flywheel/Bellhousing side).
• Compatibility: Designed for 1600cc based engines with doghouse oil cooler setups.

PRO TIPS

1. The Importance of the Rear Engine Seal

When installing this bellhousing tin, you must ensure that the rubber engine-to-body seal is properly seated in the channel. Many builders overlook the fact that this tin provides the structural lip for that seal. If the seal is cracked or missing, the bellhousing tin cannot do its job, and hot air from the exhaust will leak into the engine compartment. Always inspect your rubber seals whenever you have the engine out or are replacing tinware; a five-dollar seal can save a three-thousand-dollar engine.

2. Hardware and Vibration Management

Engine tin is notorious for rattling if it isn''t secured correctly. When bolting this EMPI tin to your engine case, use the correct wide-flange M6 screws and ensure they are tight. If your engine case has stripped threads in these locations, don''t just leave the bolt out. Use a thread repair kit like a Time-Sert or Helicoil. A loose piece of tin will not only create an annoying vibration but can eventually crack the metal or wear a hole in adjacent components like fuel lines or wiring harnesses.

3. Paint and Grounding Considerations

While the high-gloss black finish on this tin is excellent for rust prevention, remember that engine tin often acts as a secondary ground path for certain components or can interfere with cooling if it is too thick. If you decide to paint this tin to match your car, avoid using thick "rubberized" coatings that can actually insulate the heat rather than allow it to dissipate. Additionally, ensure the mounting points are clean of excessive paint to maintain a good metal-to-metal contact with the engine case, which helps with overall heat transfer away from the block.