Idle Jet DGV, DFV, ICT, EPC 70

OVERVIEW

Precision tuning is the heartbeat of a high-performance air-cooled engine, and the EMPI Idle Jet for DGV, DFV, ICT, and EPC series carburetors is a critical component in achieving that perfect stoichiometric balance. When your Volkswagen is struggling with a rough idle or a frustrating stumble during the transition from the idle circuit to the main circuit, the culprit is often an improperly sized or clogged idle jet. This .70 sized jet is engineered to provide a specific fuel flow rate, allowing you to fine-tune your fuel-to-air ratio for smoother low-end performance and crisper throttle response. Whether you are running a single progressive Weber on a daily driver or a dual EPC setup on a weekend warrior, having the right idle jet ensures that your engine isn''t running too leanwhich causes overheatingor too rich, which fouls plugs and wastes fuel.

At Appletree Auto, we know that modern ethanol-blended fuels have changed the game for vintage VW owners, often requiring a slightly larger idle jet than what was originally recommended decades ago. This high-quality brass jet is manufactured to exacting tolerances to ensure consistent flow across all cylinders. The .70 size is particularly popular for builders working with larger displacement 1776cc to 1914cc engines or those operating in cooler climates where a slightly richer idle mixture helps with cold starts and off-the-line drivability. Don''t settle for "good enough" when it comes to your carburetor calibration; swapping to the correct EMPI idle jet can eliminate flat spots and make your Beetle, Bus, or Karmann Ghia feel like a completely different machine.

FITMENT

This idle jet is designed for use with the following carburetor models and typical Volkswagen applications:

• Compatible Carburetor Models: Weber 32/36 DGV, Weber 32/36 DGAV, Weber 32/36 DGEV, Weber 34 ICT, Weber 32/34 DFV, EMPI EPC 34, and Holley 5200 series.
• VW Type 1: Beetle and Bug (1946-1979) equipped with aftermarket Weber or EMPI carburetor kits.
• VW Type 2: Bus, Transporter, and Kombi (1950-1979) utilizing progressive or dual ICT/EPC setups.
• VW Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback (1961-1973) running dual 34 ICT or EPC carburetors.
• VW Karmann Ghia: (1955-1974) All models with compatible Weber-style induction systems.
• VW Thing: (1973-1974) Type 181 models often upgraded for off-road performance.
• Custom Builds: Sand rails, Dune Buggies, and Trikes using air-cooled VW upright or pancake engines.

SPECS

• Jet Size: .70 (.70mm orifice diameter).
• Material: High-quality precision-machined brass for corrosion resistance.
• Thread Pitch: Standard Weber/EMPI idle jet threading for DGV/ICT series.
• Part Number: 74403.070.
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Application: Idle and low-speed transition circuit fuel metering.
• Quantity: Sold individually (Note: Dual carburetor setups will require two).

PRO TIPS

1. The "Lean Best" Idle Adjustment

When installing your new .70 idle jet, always perform a "Lean Best" idle adjustment to ensure the jet is the correct size for your specific engine vacuum. With the engine at operating temperature, turn the idle mixture screw in until the RPM drops or the engine stumbles, then back it out until the highest possible RPM is achieved. If you find that you have to turn the mixture screw out more than 2.5 to 3 full turns to get a smooth idle, your idle jet is likely too small. Conversely, if the engine stays running with the screw turned all the way in, the jet is too large. The .70 jet is a great middle-ground for many performance VW builds, providing the necessary fuel for a stable 850-950 RPM idle.

2. Never Use Wire to Clean Your Jets

It is incredibly tempting to poke a small wire or a needle through an idle jet to clear out a piece of debris, but this is a fatal mistake for your carb tuning. Brass is a soft metal, and even a tiny scratch from a steel wire can alter the flow characteristics of the .70 orifice, effectively changing its size and ruining your synchronization. If you suspect a clog, always use pressurized aerosol carburetor cleaner and compressed air to blow out the passage. If the clog persists, it is much cheaper and more accurate to replace the jet with a new EMPI unit from Appletree Auto than to try and "save" a damaged one that will cause permanent tuning headaches.

3. Solving the Dreaded Transition Flat Spot

If your VW feels great at idle and great at full throttle, but "falls on its face" the moment you lightly step on the gas, you are likely experiencing a transition circuit lean-out. The idle jet doesn''t just handle the idle; it feeds the transition holes in the carburetor throat that provide fuel before the main venturis take over. If you are experiencing this flat spot with a smaller jet, stepping up to this .70 size can often bridge that gap perfectly. Always ensure your timing and valves are set correctly before blaming the jet, as ignition issues often masquerade as carburetor problems in the air-cooled world.