EMPI EPC 32/36 Carburetor only

OVERVIEW

When it comes to balancing fuel economy with raw performance, the EMPI EPC 32/36 Progressive Carburetor stands as one of the most versatile upgrades you can bolt onto your air-cooled engine. Designed as a direct, high-quality replacement for the legendary Weber 32/36 DFEV and the original EMPI 32/36 EPC, this carburetor offers the best of both worlds. At cruising speeds, the primary 32mm barrel handles your fuel delivery, providing crisp throttle response and excellent gas mileage. However, the moment you bury the pedal, the secondary 36mm barrel kicks in, providing the additional airflow and fuel enrichment needed for high-speed passing or climbing steep grades. This progressive action makes it the ideal choice for daily drivers and weekend cruisers who don''t want to sacrifice driveability for power.

At Appletree Automotive, we know that reliability is just as important as performance. This EMPI unit features an integrated electric choke, ensuring that your Beetle, Ghia, or Bus fires up smoothly even on those crisp morning starts without the headache of manual cable adjustments. One of the greatest advantages of this specific model is its parts interchangeability. Because it is engineered to the same exacting standards as the classic DFEV series, all your standard Weber and EMPI progressive jets, gaskets, and rebuild components will transfer over seamlessly. Whether you are replacing a worn-out unit on an existing progressive kit or building a custom induction system from the ground up, this carburetor provides a robust, economical solution without compromising the precision tuning capabilities that air-cooled enthusiasts demand.

FITMENT

This carburetor is designed for use with progressive-style intake manifolds. While primarily used on Volkswagen Type 1, 2, and 3 engines, it is a universal-style performance component that fits the following applications when equipped with the appropriate manifold:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954-1977 (Sedan & Convertible)
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971-1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1955-1971 (1600cc Dual Port engines)
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973-1974
• Off-Road Applications: Sandrails, Dune Buggies, and Manx clones utilizing upright Type 1 engine configurations.
• Replacement Note: Direct replacement for Weber 32/36 DFEV and EMPI EPC 32/36 (Part Number 44-1018).

SPECS

• Part Number: 44-1018-1
• Carburetor Type: Two-Barrel Progressive
• Primary Barrel Size: 32mm
• Secondary Barrel Size: 36mm
• Choke Type: 12-Volt Electric Choke
• Fuel Inlet: Standard barbed fitting for 1/4 inch or 5mm fuel line
• Material: High-density zinc/aluminum alloy casting
• Jetting Compatibility: Uses standard Weber DFEV / EMPI EPC series jets
• Throttle Linkage: Compatible with standard progressive throttle arms
• Venturi Size: Fixed venturis optimized for 1600cc to 2000cc engines

PRO TIPS

1. Optimize Your Fuel Pressure

One of the most common mistakes we see at the shop is running too much fuel pressure into these progressive carburetors. Unlike modern fuel-injected systems, the EMPI 32/36 is designed to operate optimally at approximately 2.5 to 3.0 PSI. If you are using a high-output mechanical pump or an unregulated electric pump, you risk overpowering the needle and seat, which leads to flooding and inconsistent idling. We strongly recommend installing a high-quality fuel pressure regulator between the pump and the carburetor to ensure a steady, low-pressure flow for maximum longevity and tuning stability.

2. Vacuum Leak Prevention is Key

Because the progressive carburetor sits on a centerpiece manifold with long intake runners, it is highly sensitive to vacuum leaks. When installing this unit, always ensure your manifold boots (the rubber connectors between the center section and the end castings) are soft, pliable, and secured with high-quality T-bolt clamps. If you experience a "popping" sound through the carb or a wandering idle that won''t settle down, check the base gasket and these intake boots first. A tiny leak here will make the 32/36 nearly impossible to tune, regardless of how many times you change the jets.

3. Master the Progressive Transition

To get the most out of the "progressive" nature of this carb, you must ensure your throttle linkage is adjusted for a full range of motion. With the engine off, have an assistant floor the gas pedal while you observe the carburetor. You want the primary barrel to open fully, followed by the mechanical engagement of the secondary barrel. If your cable is too loose, you might only be driving on the 32mm primary side, leaving significant horsepower on the table. Conversely, ensure the throttle returns fully to the idle stop so the electric choke and idle circuit can function correctly during warm-up.