EMPI’s story began in 1956 when California Volkswagen dealership owner Joe Vittone had a flash of inspiration. Back then, if the valve guide in a Volkswagen cylinder head showed signs of wear, VW’s policy was to replace the entire head rather than rebuild it. Joe’s solution: Develop a high-quality replacement valve guide and sell it from the dealership. His timing was good – the popularity of the Beetle was about to shift into fourth gear.
The valve guide was the first of many products that would turn EMPI (Engineered Motor Products, Inc.) into a leader in aftermarket performance and restoration parts for vintage air-cooled Beetles, Things, Karmann Ghias and even classic Porsches.
Here are some of the EMPI (pronounced em-pee) VW parts you’ll find at Summit Racing:
EMPI Dual Carburetor Kits include the high-quality components you need to swap your single-carburetor air-cooled Volkswagen engine for the increased power and greater efficiency of a dual-carb setup.
Kits come with dual EMPI carburettors, aluminum intake manifold, chrome air cleaner with high-flow gauze element, throttle linkage (depending on model), gaskets, and hardware. All kits are rigorously tested for smooth operation. EMPI notes that its HPMX dual carburetors are test-run as a matched pair and pre-set for left and right sides, with float levels checked and adjusted.
Other features of EMPI Dual Carburetor Kits include sealed aircraft Heim rod end joints, high-strength steel linkage mounts, coil relocation bracket kit, and aluminum alloy hex bar with steel ball ends. Check kits for specific contents.
Choose from kits that fit Type 1 upright engines (Beetle), Type 2/4 engines (Bus), and Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback) engines from 1945-85.
Summit Racing carries several types of EMPI Exhaust Systems for Type 1 engines from 1956-80 including:
Dune buggy dual exhaust in black steel or 304 stainless steel
GT European-style with four chrome tips and built-in resonators
Dual street systems in black steel or stainless steel
Dual stinger style and race systems
EMPI exhausts feature mandrel bends, TIG welding, and strong flanges. Most models come with tips and hardware, and many are fitted with an EMPI badge for a custom look.
Summit Racing carries EMPI cylinder heads in stock dual-port and dual-port GTV-2 configurations. They’re made from an aluminium alloy that’s strong and repairable.
Stock dual port heads fit engines with 85.5mm bores and have hardened valve seats and bronze valve guides. Bare heads have a 51cc combustion chamber. Assembled heads have a 53cc combustion chamber, 35.5 x 32mm OEM OSVAT stock valves, stock valve springs, steel retainers, and hardened keepers. The heads are SCORE-approved and come with rocker, exhaust, and intake studs.
The GTV-2 heads are available for engines with 90.5 or 94mm bores. They have a 56cc combustion chamber with a three-angle performance valve job. Beefed-up intake and exhaust ports allow porting without the need for welding. The heads come assembled with 40 x 35.5mm stainless steel Manley valves; single or dual Hi-Rev valve springs; chromoly retainers; hardened keepers; and rocker and exhaust/intake studs.
You’ll find a huge selection of other EMPI products for your VWs at Summit Racing, including wheels, disc brake kits, leak-proof pushrod tubes, valve covers, and more.
SEE THE FULL LINEUP OF EMPI PARTS FOR CLASSIC VOLKSWAGENS HERE ENDS.