EMPI Ceramic Coated Heater Box Pair — Full Heat Exchanger Replacement for the Type 1 Beetle

The heater boxes on a VW Beetle serve double duty: they transfer exhaust heat into the fresh air stream for cabin heat, and they form part of the engine's exhaust system. When the boxes crack or rust through — which is common on cars with original or aging heat exchangers — you lose both cabin heat and exhaust sealing integrity. Exhaust gases can enter the heat exchanger and flow into the cabin, creating a genuine carbon monoxide hazard. EMPI's ceramic coated replacement heater boxes address both problems with a new heat exchanger designed for long service life.

Ceramic Coating — Extended Durability

Standard replacement heater boxes are bare steel, which is adequate when new but begins oxidizing quickly in the high-heat exhaust environment. EMPI's ceramic coating creates a thermal barrier on the exhaust-side surfaces that significantly reduces operating temperatures on the outer shell, extends corrosion resistance, and maintains heat transfer efficiency over a longer service life than uncoated steel. The result is a heater box that runs cooler externally, lasts longer, and continues delivering consistent cabin heat season after season.

Direct Replacement Fit

These boxes bolt directly to the Type 1 engine using the original mounting points and connect to the OEM fresh air inlet tubes and cabin heat ducts without modification. No adapter fittings or custom brackets are required. The pair includes both left-hand (55-3012-0) and right-hand (55-3013-0) units — always replace both sides together so the heat system is balanced and both sides are on the same age and condition of hardware.

Fitment

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1963–1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1963–1974
• Note: Early 1963–1965 applications — verify inlet tube diameter matches your car

Specifications

• EMPI Part Numbers: 55-3012-0 (LH) / 55-3013-0 (RH)
• Finish: Ceramic coated
• Sold as: Pair (LH + RH)
• Weight (pair): approx. 7.5 lbs
• Application: Type 1 upright engine, standard heat exchanger position