Engine Color Kit, Blue, for Aircooled VW

Transform Your Air-Cooled Engine Bay with the EMPI Blue Color Kit

Elevate your Volkswagen''s aesthetic from a standard workhorse to a show-ready masterpiece with the EMPI Engine Color Kit in vibrant blue. This comprehensive dress-up kit is designed for the air-cooled enthusiast who understands that performance should always be matched by presentation. Whether you are finishing a ground-up restoration or simply looking to refresh a tired engine bay, this kit provides an immediate visual impact. The deep blue hue offers a striking contrast against the traditional black or chrome finishes of a Type 1 or Type 2 engine, giving your car a custom, coordinated look that demands attention at every local meet or VW show. By unifying the color of your ignition components and pulley hardware, you create a professional, "finished" appearance that reflects the care and precision you put into your machine.

Beyond the undeniable style, this EMPI kit is built around components that have been staples of the air-cooled community for decades. This isn''t just about paint; it is about providing a cohesive system that includes a high-quality distributor cap, a durable copper core spark plug wire set, and a precision-finned pulley cover with a matching backing plate. The finned aluminum accents don''t just look greatthey echo the heritage of air-cooled cooling fins found throughout the engine block and heads. EMPI has specifically engineered these parts to fit seamlessly with standard Bosch-style ignition systems and stock pulley configurations, ensuring that you don''t have to sacrifice reliability for the sake of appearance. At Appletree Auto, we know that your VW is an extension of your personality, and this blue color kit is the perfect way to make your engine stand out from the crowd.

Detailed Fitment and Vehicle Compatibility

This kit is designed for 1200cc to 1600cc upright air-cooled engines. It is compatible with the following models using standard Bosch-style distributors:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954 through 1979 (Sedan and Convertible)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1954 through 1971 (Upright engines)
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973 through 1974
• Volkswagen Squareback, Fastback, Notchback / Type 3: 1962 through 1973
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing VW upright engines.

Technical Specifications and Kit Components

Each piece in this kit is manufactured to EMPI''s rigorous standards for aftermarket air-cooled components:

• Distributor Cap: High-dielectric blue plastic designed for Bosch-style distributors (e.g., 009 or stock vacuum advance).
• Ignition Wires: 7mm copper core wire set with blue silicone/rubber insulation for superior conductivity and heat resistance.
• Spark Plug Boots: Durable rubber boots designed for a snug fit on standard 14mm spark plugs.
• Pulley Cover: Cast aluminum finned cover with a brilliant blue finish to protect and accent the crankshaft pulley.
• Backing Plate: Matching finned aluminum backing plate to provide a 360-degree finished look behind the pulley.
• Part Number: EMPI 00-8743-0.
• Compatibility: Designed for use with 12-volt electrical systems (can be used on 6-volt with proper coil/plug gaps).

Professional Installation Tips from the Appletree Specialist

Tip 1: Maintain Your Firing Order During Swap

When installing the new blue distributor cap and wire set, it is critical not to lose track of your firing order. The standard VW air-cooled firing order is 1-4-3-2. I recommend replacing the wires one at a time. Start by pulling the wire from the #1 cylinder (front right), find the corresponding length in your new blue kit, and snap it into the new cap in the same position. If you remove all the wires at once without marking them, you risk a backfire or a no-start condition. Always ensure the cap is seated firmly on the distributor housing and that the metal clips are snapped tight to prevent moisture intrusion or vibration-induced failure.

Tip 2: Precision Pulley Cover Alignment

The finned pulley cover and backing plate add a great touch, but they must be installed correctly to avoid interference with the fan belt or the engine tin. Before tightening the crankshaft pulley bolt, ensure the backing plate is centered and doesn''t rub against the oil seal or the case. When you slide the blue finned cover over the pulley, check that your timing marks are still visible or mark the cover itself so you can accurately set your timing later. A small drop of blue Loctite on the mounting screws for the cover can prevent them from vibrating loose over thousands of miles of driving.

Tip 3: Keep Your Blue Components Looking New

The engine bay of an air-cooled VW is a harsh environment filled with heat and occasional oil mist. To keep your blue kit looking sharp, avoid using harsh degreasers directly on the colored plastic or the painted aluminum fins, as these can dull the finish over time. Instead, use a mild soap and water solution or a dedicated detail spray on a microfiber cloth. For the ignition wires, a light wipe with a silicone-based protectant will keep the blue rubber supple and prevent cracking due to engine heat. Keeping these components clean doesn''t just look goodit also makes it easier to spot potential vacuum leaks or oil seeps before they become major problems.