Dual 40 Solex Dual Carburator Kit, By EMPI

OVERVIEW

Unlock the true potential of your air-cooled engine with the EMPI Dual 40 Solex Carburetor Kit, a performance-driven solution designed to deliver crisp throttle response and significant horsepower gains. Unlike restrictive single-carburetor setups that suffer from long intake runners and uneven fuel distribution, this dual 40mm Solex system places a dedicated venturi over each cylinder head intake port. This shorter path for the air-fuel mixture ensures that your engine breathes more efficiently, providing a noticeable boost in torque throughout the RPM range. Whether you are cruising the coastline or pushing your classic VW through winding canyon roads, the increased airflow and precision metering of these 40mm Solex carburetors will transform your driving experience from sluggish to spirited.

Crafted by EMPI, a name synonymous with Volkswagen performance for decades, this kit is engineered for durability and ease of installation. It features high-quality aluminum intake manifolds that are port-matched for optimal flow, along with a robust X-bar linkage system that provides smooth, synchronized throttle operation without the flex often found in cheaper alternatives. The aesthetic appeal is equally impressive, featuring gleaming chrome-top air cleaners that add a professional, high-performance look to your engine bay. Every component in this kit, from the gaskets to the hardware, has been selected to ensure a leak-free seal and long-lasting reliability. If you are looking to graduate from a stock 34-PICT setup to a serious performance configuration, this dual Solex kit offers the perfect balance of "old-school" reliability and modern manufacturing precision.

FITMENT

This kit is designed for Type 1 dual-port upright engines. Standard fitment includes:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1971-1977 (Sedan and Convertible)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1971-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1971 (With 1600cc Dual Port Engine)
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Suitable for any air-cooled VW Type 1 based engine (1600cc to 1914cc) utilizing dual-port cylinder heads.

SPECS

• Carburetor Type: Dual 40mm Solex Design
• Intake Manifolds: Heavy-duty cast aluminum (Dual Port)
• Linkage Style: Premium X-Bar Hex Bar Linkage for precise synchronization
• Air Cleaners: High-flow gauze elements with chrome-plated steel tops and bases
• Fuel Inlet: Standard barbed fittings for 1/4-inch or 5mm fuel line
• Venturi Size: 28mm (Pre-installed)
• Main Jet: 125 (Standard)
• Air Corrector Jet: 170 (Standard)
• Idle Jet: 55 (Standard)
• Hardware: Includes all necessary studs, nuts, washers, and base gaskets
• Finish: Natural aluminum manifolds with polished carburetor bodies

PRO TIPS

1. Invest in a Quality Synchrometer: You cannot tune dual carburetors by ear alone if you want maximum performance. Use a snail-style synchrometer to measure the air draw at the mouth of each carburetor at idle. The goal is to ensure both carburetors are pulling the exact same amount of air. If they are out of sync, your engine will stumble, run hot, and vibrate excessively. Take the time to fine-tune the linkage rods so that both throttles crack open at the exact same moment when you press the accelerator pedal.

2. Regulate Your Fuel Pressure: Air-cooled VW fuel pumps, especially high-volume aftermarket versions, can often put out more pressure than a Solex or Weber needle and seat can handle. These carburetors perform best at a steady 2.5 to 3.0 PSI. We strongly recommend installing a high-quality fuel pressure regulator between the pump and the carburetors. Excessive pressure will cause the bowls to overflow, leading to flooding, poor idling, and potential fire hazards. Proper pressure regulation ensures a consistent float level and a stable idle.

3. Heat Management and Gasket Sealing: When installing the aluminum manifolds, ensure the cylinder head surfaces are perfectly clean. It is common for performance manifolds to require a small amount of "clearancing" near the shroud or tinware to sit perfectly flush. Always check for vacuum leaks after the first few heat cycles by spraying a small amount of carburetor cleaner around the manifold bases while the engine is idling; if the RPM changes, you have a leak. Additionally, ensure your fuel lines are routed away from the exhaust to prevent vapor lock, which is more common in dual-carb setups due to the increased proximity of the fuel bowls to the cylinder heads.