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- Vendor EMPI
- SKU 009-101-025D
Not sure it fits? Call the shop: (657) 438-7002.
The EMPI 009 distributor is one of the most popular ignition upgrades for air-cooled VWs. It replaces the stock vacuum advance distributor with a centrifugal advance-only design — which works better with performance carbs and modified engines that don't generate consistent vacuum. It's a staple of the VW performance world for good reason.
Key Features:
- Centrifugal advance only — no vacuum canister
- Works great with performance carburetors (HPMX, IDF, Solex)
- Direct fit into VW Type 1 and Type 4 engines
- Clamp-and-gear design for easy installation and timing adjustments
- A go-to upgrade for performance builds and carbureted engines
Fitment: Air-cooled VW Type 1 Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Buggy, and other Type 1 applications. Also fits Type 4 (Bus/Vanagon) with appropriate adapter. Verify distributor drive gear compatibility with your engine case before ordering.
Note: The 009 distributor does not have vacuum advance. For stock or mildly modified engines that rely on vacuum advance, the original-style distributor may be preferable. For carbureted performance setups, the 009 is typically the better choice.
The Tech Bench Everything we know about doing the work, in one place — written and filmed on our own bench in Orange, California, with the same parts we sell you.
Pick a bench below. Written install guides, free decoder tools, install videos, and the fitment lookup — each one lives on its own page so you're not scrolling past nine systems to find the one you're working on.
Four benches
Pick the one that matches the job in front of youInstall Guides
The full written library — procedures, torque specs, and the order of operations that keeps you from taking something apart twice. Organised by system.
55 guides8 systems5 published Open the library 02Decoders & Lookup
Chassis number, Beetle M-code, Bus M-code. Free tools for pinning down exactly what you have before you spend money on a part that doesn't fit it.
Chassis No.M-PlateFree Open the decoders 03Watch & Learn
Install videos and build footage from the shop floor. Watch the part go in — then grab the kit from the same page.
InstallsBuildsYouTube Watch the videos 04Fitment Lookup
Year and model in, the parts that actually fit out. The fastest way from "I think it's a '67" to the right part number in your cart.
Year / ModelAll parts Open the lookupLatest from the bench
5Most recently publishedGear Ratio Calculator
Type 1 and Bus transaxles. Ring and pinion, gear ratios, tire height and shift rpm in — road speed, rpm drop on every shift, and cruise rpm out.
Type 1 · BusOpen the calculator CH01 Guide 01 Best sellerSnap-Lock Delrin Shift Bushing
The 20-minute fix that turns a sloppy shifter crisp — and the whole shift-linkage explained.
#CH01Read the guide BY01 Guide 27Big Washburn Windows
Large engine-bay access panels for dual-carb and big-engine builds — reach the carbs without pulling the motor.
#BY01Read the guide PMO ReferencePMO Carburetors: Triple-Throat Induction
The complete reference on PMO triple-throat carburetors for air-cooled Porsche — sizing, jetting, and setup.
PMORead the guide CH64 ChassisFlat Out Custom Shortened Pan Halves
Building a shortened dune buggy or kit car? Engineered pan halves put a straight floor under it without sectioning a stock VW pan.
#CH64Read the guideFrom the shop blog
3Shorter reads from the shop floorBig Washburn Carb Windows: What They Are and Why We Cut Them
The reasoning behind cutting the rear inner fenders open, before you read the full install guide.
Read the post BlogTunnel Access Plates: Why We Cut a Hole in Your Pan on Purpose
Why the center tunnel gets an access plate, and what it saves you the next time the linkage needs attention.
Read the post BlogSome Hot VWs That Came Through the Shop This Spring
A look at the cars on the lifts in Orange, California, and the work that went into them.
Read the postCan't find your job here?
Call the shop. If the guide isn't written yet, we'll walk you through it on the phone — fitment, torque, sequence, what to buy and what to skip.
(657) 438-7002Shop line — parts, fitment and technical questions. Orange, California.
Free shipping on domestic (U.S.) orders over $250 — no code needed; oversize and freight items are excluded and ship at carrier rates. Otherwise, domestic shipping is calculated at checkout based on the size, weight, and destination of your order.
Orders are typically processed within 24–48 hours before they ship. Once your order ships, you'll get an email with tracking information.
Shipping outside the U.S.? Contact us at (657) 438-7002 before you order and we'll confirm rates and options for your destination.