Super Color & Chrome Dress Up Kit, Red, for Aircooled VW

OVERVIEW

Transform your air-cooled engine from a grease-caked relic into a show-stopping masterpiece with the EMPI Super Color and Chrome Dress Up Kit in vibrant Red. Nothing screams quality and attention to detail quite like a well-coordinated engine bay, and this comprehensive kit provides everything you need to achieve that professional, custom look without the headache of sourcing individual parts. As a master specialist, I can tell you that the contrast between the high-luster chrome and the bold red accents doesn''t just look good; it commands respect at every car show and local meetup. Whether you are finishing a full restoration or simply want to breathe new life into your daily driver, this kit offers the most cost-effective and visually impactful upgrade available for the Volkswagen enthusiast. Every component is designed to complement the iconic lines of the Type 1 upright engine, ensuring that your Beetle, Ghia, or Dune Buggy looks as fast as it runs.

Beyond the undeniable aesthetic appeal, the EMPI Super Color and Chrome Dress Up Kit is engineered for durability and functional performance. We aren''t just talking about shiny covers; this kit includes vital components that help protect your engine''s longevity. The inclusion of a magnetic drain plug is a crucial upgrade, as it traps metallic shavings before they can circulate through your oiling system, while the high-quality 8mm ignition wires and distributor cap ensure a crisp, reliable spark. The finned backing plate and pulley cover don''t just add a custom touchthey help dissipate heat more effectively than stock stamped steel pieces. When you install this kit, you are doing more than just "dressing up" your engine; you are investing in a cleaner, more organized, and better-protected powerplant. It is the ultimate statement of pride in ownership, proving that you care just as much about what is under the decklid as what is on the outside of the car.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle / Bug: 1950 through 1979 (All models with upright engines)
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter / Kombi: 1950 through 1971 (Upright 1200cc to 1600cc engines only)
• Volkswagen Type 14 Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Kit Cars utilizing VW Type 1 upright engine configurations (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based engines).

SPECS

• Finish: High-Luster Triple Chrome Plating with Vibrant Red Accents
• Ignition Wires: High-performance 8mm Silicone Spark Plug Wires (Red)
• Distributor Components: Red Distributor Cap and Matching Chrome Distributor Clamp
• Valve Covers: Heavy-Duty Chrome Steel Valve Covers with High-Tension Bails
• Oil System: Chrome Oil Filler Tube with Cap, Matching Dipstick, and Magnetic Drain Plug
• Pulley System: Chrome Top Pulley, Pulley Bolt and Washer, and Alternator/Generator Nut
• Cooling & Protection: Finned Backing Plate and Finned Pulley Cover
• Additional Hardware: Chrome Alternator/Generator Strap, Chrome Sump Plate, and Red Wire Separators
• Part Number: EMPI 00-8653-0
• Weight: Approximately 7.94 lbs

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: Master the Seal for a Leak-Free Finish. When installing your new chrome valve covers and the sump plate included in this kit, do not rely solely on the gaskets provided if you want a bone-dry engine. Chrome is exceptionally smooth, which can sometimes make it difficult for gaskets to "bite" and seal perfectly. I always recommend using a thin, even smear of a high-quality sealant like Curil T or Permatex Aviation Form-A-Gasket on the engine side of the gasket. Additionally, ensure your bails (the wire clips) are centered perfectly on the valve covers to provide even pressure. A small amount of extra attention here prevents the dreaded "VW oil spot" on your driveway and keeps your new chrome looking pristine and oil-free.

Pro Tip 2: Maintain Proper Ignition Firing Order. It is incredibly easy to get your spark plug wires crossed when you are excited to see the new red wires in place. To avoid a "no-start" or backfiring situation, replace your wires one at a time. Start with cylinder number one, swap the wire and the corresponding position on the new red distributor cap, and then move to the next in the 1-4-3-2 firing order. Also, ensure the wire separators are positioned so that the wires do not touch any hot exhaust components or the fan shroud. Keeping the wires organized not only looks professional but prevents inductive cross-fire and heat damage to the silicone jackets.

Pro Tip 3: Verify Pulley Alignment and Torque. When you install the new chrome top pulley, it is vital to ensure it is seated fully on the woodruff key and aligned perfectly with the bottom crank pulley. If the pulleys are misaligned, you will experience premature belt wear or even "throw" a belt at high RPMs, which can lead to immediate overheating. Use a straightedge to check the plane between the two pulleys. Also, don''t forget to use the new chrome pulley bolt and washer included in the kit, and torque it to the factory specification of 36 ft-lbs. A loose top pulley can ruin the woodruff keyway on your generator or alternator shaft, turning a simple dress-up project into an expensive repair.