Engine Color Kit, Yellow, for Aircooled VW

OVERVIEW

Transform your tired engine bay into a show-stopping masterpiece with the EMPI Engine Color Kit in vibrant yellow. Every air-cooled VW enthusiast knows that the engine is the heart and soul of the vehicle, yet it often becomes a cluttered mess of greasy wires and dull metal over decades of use. This comprehensive dress-up kit provides an immediate visual overhaul, replacing your standard ignition components and pulley hardware with high-visibility, color-coordinated parts that demand attention at every car show or local meet. Whether you are finishing a ground-up restoration or simply want to add some personality to your daily driver, this kit offers the perfect balance of iconic EMPI styling and functional component replacement. It is designed to provide that classic "Cal-Look" aesthetic while ensuring your ignition system remains crisp and reliable.

Beyond the striking aesthetics, this kit includes essential maintenance items that every Volkswagen owner should periodically refresh. The high-quality distributor cap and copper core spark plug wire set ensure that your ignition spark reaches the cylinders without interference, while the finned pulley cover and backing plate add a layer of custom detail to the lower half of the engine. The yellow finish is specifically formulated to withstand the high-heat environment of an air-cooled engine compartment without immediate fading or cracking. By unifying the color scheme of your components, you create a professional, "tucked" look that hides minor imperfections and draws the eye to the mechanical beauty of the Type 1 upright engine. When you install an EMPI kit from Appletree Auto, you are not just buying parts; you are investing in a legacy of Volkswagen performance and style that has defined the industry for over half a century.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (Sedan and Convertible)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1971 (Upright Engines Only)
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing VW 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc upright engines.

SPECS

• Part Number: 00-8745-0
• Color: High-Visibility Yellow
• Ignition Wires: 7mm Copper Core Spark Plug Wires for maximum conductivity
• Distributor Cap: Standard fitment for Bosch-style vacuum advance or 009 centrifugal distributors
• Pulley Cover: Finned design for heat dissipation and custom styling
• Backing Plate: Finned matching plate to complete the crankshaft pulley look
• Material: Heat-resistant polymers and high-grade copper wiring
• Inclusions: 1 Distributor Cap, 5 Spark Plug Wires (including coil wire), 1 Finned Pulley Cover, 1 Finned Backing Plate

PRO TIPS

Mastering the Firing Order

When installing your new yellow spark plug wires, never pull all the old wires off at once. Air-cooled Volkswagens follow a specific 1-4-3-2 firing order, and getting these crossed will lead to backfiring or a complete failure to start. Replace the wires one by one, starting from the longest wire going to cylinder number one (front right) and working your way around the distributor cap clockwise. This ensures that your timing remains perfect and your new EMPI components perform exactly as intended from the first turn of the key.

Pulley Cover Clearance and Safety

Before tightening the bolt on your new finned pulley cover, manually rotate the engine using a 19mm wrench on the generator or alternator nut to ensure there is no rubbing. Sometimes, aftermarket pulleys or slightly misaligned tinware can cause the cover to contact the fan shroud. If you hear a scraping sound, double-check the seating of the backing plate. Always ensure your crankshaft bolt is torqued to the proper specifications, as the pulley cover is a cosmetic addition that sits atop a critical rotating component; a loose bolt can lead to catastrophic engine damage.

Maintaining the Vibrant Yellow Finish

To keep your yellow engine kit looking brand new, avoid using harsh petroleum-based degreasers or solvent-heavy cleaners directly on the plastic and rubber components. These chemicals can strip the pigment or cause the spark plug wire boots to become brittle over time. Instead, use a mild soap and water solution or a dedicated plastic detailer applied to a microfiber cloth. Keeping the wires and cap clean doesn''t just look good; it prevents "carbon tracking," where dirt and oil create a path for electricity to leak to the ground, which can cause engine misfires under load.