Oil Cooler Fan, 9 Inch

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the health and longevity of your air-cooled Volkswagen engine, temperature management is the single most critical factor. The EMPI 9-Inch High-Efficiency Oil Cooler Fan is engineered specifically for enthusiasts who refuse to let summer heat or high-performance demands sideline their ride. Whether you are running a high-compression stroker motor in a Beetle or a heavy-duty camping setup in a Westfalia, stock cooling systems often struggle to keep up once you add an external oil cooler. This fan provides the active airflow necessary to heat-soak your oil cooler effectively, ensuring that even in stop-and-go traffic or during grueling desert climbs, your oil temperatures remain within the safe operating zone. At Appletree Automotive, we know that heat is the silent killer of VW engines, and this EMPI fan is your first line of defense against warped heads and burnt bearings.

What sets this 9-inch powerhouse apart is its patented skewed blade design, which is meticulously crafted to maximize cubic feet per minute (CFM) while significantly reducing the high-pitched whine common in lesser electric fans. Delivering a robust 570 CFM at a modest 5.4-amp draw, it offers a perfect balance of cooling power and electrical efficiency, making it ideal for the limited charging systems often found on vintage Volkswagens. The versatility of this unit is unmatched; it features a reversible blade assembly, allowing it to function as either a pusher or a puller depending on your specific mounting constraints and airflow requirements. Designed to bolt directly onto popular 72-plate and 92-plate oil coolers, this fan is a seamless upgrade that transforms a passive cooling component into an active thermal management system, giving you the confidence to drive your VW anywhere, anytime.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (All Years): Ideal for performance engines requiring external oil cooling.
• VW Super Beetle: Fits custom front-mount or rear-mount cooler locations.
• VW Karmann Ghia: Perfect for tight engine bays where airflow is restricted.
• VW Bus / Type 2 (Split Window & Bay Window): Essential for heavy loads and mountain driving.
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): Fits custom external cooler setups.
• VW Thing (Type 181): Provides reliable cooling for off-road and trail use.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Durable enough for open-air, high-vibration environments.
• Custom Applications: Compatible with any 12V system requiring a 9-inch high-flow fan.
• Cooler Compatibility: Directly fits EMPI 72-plate and 92-plate oil cooler cores.

SPECS

• Fan Diameter: 9 Inches.
• Maximum Airflow: 570 CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute).
• Current Draw: 5.4 Amps at peak operation.
• Blade Design: Patented Skewed Blade for high efficiency and low noise.
• Rotation: Reversible (Can be configured as a Pusher or Puller).
• Voltage: 12-Volt DC.
• Housing Material: High-impact, heat-resistant reinforced polymer.
• Part Number: 00-9296-0.
• Weight: 2.16 lbs.

PRO TIPS

1. Always Use a Relay and Thermal Switch

While it might be tempting to wire your fan directly to a manual toggle switch or the ignition coil, we strongly recommend using a dedicated 30-amp relay and an inline thermal switch. Wiring a fan directly to your ignition circuit can overload the factory wiring, leading to voltage drops or even electrical fires. By using a thermal switch (usually set to kick in around 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit), you ensure the fan only runs when necessary, preserving the life of the motor and reducing the load on your alternator. Make sure to use at least 12-gauge wire for the main power feed to the fan to ensure it receives the full current needed to hit that 570 CFM rating.

2. Optimize Airflow Direction: Pusher vs. Puller

The EMPI 9-inch fan is reversible, but that doesn''t mean both directions are equally effective in every scenario. Generally speaking, a fan is more efficient when used in a "puller" configuration (mounted behind the cooler, pulling air through the core) because the fan blades don''t block the surface area of the cooler from incoming natural airflow. If you must mount it as a "pusher" (in front of the cooler), ensure you reverse the blade assembly physically on the motor shaft and swap the electrical polarity. Running the fan backwards without flipping the blades will result in significantly reduced CFM and could cause the motor to overheat.

3. Proper Shrouding is Key to Efficiency

To get the most out of your 570 CFM, the fan must move air through the oil cooler, not just around it. If there is a significant gap between the fan housing and the cooler fins, the air will take the path of least resistance and escape out the sides. Use high-temperature foam stripping or a custom aluminum shroud to seal the edges of the fan against the cooler core. This ensures that 100% of the air being moved by the skewed blades is actually pulling heat away from your oil. Don''t forget to mount your cooler in a location that allows the hot air to exit the vehicle easily; if the hot air is trapped in the engine bay, your cooling efficiency will drop drastically regardless of how fast the fan is spinning.