Uni-Link Kit, for Progessive style carburetors

OVERVIEW

When you''re upgrading your air-cooled engine with a progressive carburetor, the biggest hurdle is often the final connection between your throttle cable and the carburetor itself. The EMPI Uni-Link Kit is the professional-grade solution designed to eliminate the guesswork and fabrication usually required to get your Weber or EPC 32/36 running smoothly. This kit acts as the vital bridge between your Volkswagen''s factory throttle cable and the progressive carburetor''s throttle arm, ensuring that every millimeter of pedal travel translates into crisp, responsive acceleration. Whether you are running a classic Weber DGV or the EMPI EPC 32/36F, this linkage kit provides the necessary geometry to achieve full throttle opening without binding or sticking, which is a common issue with "universal" hardware store workarounds.

Constructed with the durability that air-cooled enthusiasts expect from EMPI, this Uni-Link kit is engineered to withstand the vibrations and heat cycles of a high-performance VW engine bay. The components are designed for a precision fit, reducing the slop often found in older linkage setups that can lead to a "mushy" pedal feel or inconsistent idling. By utilizing this specialized kit, you ensure that your progressive carburetor functions as intendedrunning on the primary barrel for fuel economy during cruising and transitioning seamlessly to the secondary barrel when you floor it. It is an essential component for any Beetle, Karmann Ghia, or Dune Buggy owner looking to modernize their fuel system while maintaining the reliability of a mechanical linkage connection. Please note that while this kit includes the core linkage components, it does not include the barrel nut, so be sure to have one on hand for a complete installation.

FITMENT

This Uni-Link Kit is designed for Air-Cooled Volkswagen engines equipped with progressive style carburetors, including but not limited to:

• Volkswagen Beetle: All years equipped with Type 1 upright engines and progressive carb conversions.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974 models utilizing progressive induction.
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1971 (1600cc based engines) with progressive setups.
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973-1974 models.
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Baja Bugs using EMPI or Weber progressive carburetors.
• Carburetor Compatibility: Specifically fits EMPI EPC 32/36F, Weber DGV, Weber DFV, and Weber DFEV series progressive carburetors.

SPECS

The following technical specifications ensure that the EMPI Uni-Link Kit meets the rigorous demands of your VW''s throttle system:

• Product Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 43-0602-0
• Material: High-strength steel with a corrosion-resistant zinc plating for longevity.
• Linkage Type: Mechanical pivot Uni-Link system.
• Weight: 0.19 lbs (Lightweight design to reduce inertia in the throttle return).
• UPC: 707924363500
• Compatibility: 32/36mm Progressive Carburetors.
• Included Hardware: Linkage rod, swivel connectors, and specialized mounting hardware.
• Missing Component: Does not include the throttle cable barrel nut (must be purchased separately or reused).

PRO TIPS

1. Optimize Your Cable Path for Longevity

One of the most common mistakes when installing a progressive linkage is forcing the throttle cable into a sharp angle. For the EMPI Uni-Link kit to operate at peak performance, you must ensure the throttle cable exits the fan shroud guide tube and approaches the linkage in as straight a line as possible. If the cable is pulling at an angle, it will eventually saw through the guide tube or fray the cable, leading to a stuck throttle. Use a high-quality stainless steel cable and ensure there is a slight amount of slack when the pedal is at rest to prevent the engine from "hanging" at a high idle when the heat expands the metal components.

2. The Importance of the Return Spring

While the Uni-Link kit provides the mechanical connection, the safety of your vehicle depends on a strong throttle return. Always ensure you are using a dedicated return spring in addition to the spring built into the carburetor throttle shaft. When setting up the Uni-Link, check that the secondary barrel of your progressive carb closes fully and snaps back sharply. If the linkage feels sluggish, check for binding at the swivel points. A drop of light machine oil on the pivot points of the Uni-Link kit during every oil change will keep the action smooth and prevent premature wear on the zinc-plated surfaces.

3. Verify Full Throttle Geometry

Before you take your VW out for a test drive, always perform a "full throttle check" with the engine off. Have an assistant floor the gas pedal while you observe the carburetor. You want to ensure that the Uni-Link kit allows the throttle arm to reach its hard stop on the carburetor body just as the gas pedal hits the floorboard. If the linkage hits the stop before the pedal is down, you risk snapping the cable or bending the linkage rod. Conversely, if the pedal hits the floor before the carb is wide open, you are leaving horsepower on the table. Adjust the rod length in the Uni-Link kit to find that "Goldilocks" zone of perfect travel.