EMPI GT-8 Wheel Set of 4 — 15x5.5, VW 4x130 | 1968+ Beetle, Super Beetle, Ghia & Type 3 (00-9682/83/84/85)
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EMPI GT-8 Wheel Set of 4 — 15x5.5, VW 4x130 Bolt Pattern
Short answer: This is a set of four EMPI GT-8 eight-spoke cast aluminum wheels, 15x5.5 with the VW 4x130 (4-lug) bolt pattern, +30mm offset and 4-3/8 in backspacing. They fit the 1968-and-later Beetle and Super Beetle, the 1967–1974 Karmann Ghia and the 1966–1973 Type 3. All four wheels are the same size and finish. Lug bolts are not included unless you add them in the Mounting Hardware option.
Part numbers: EMPI 00-9682-0 / 0096820 (gloss black, polished lip) · 00-9683-0 / 0096830 (chrome) · 00-9684-0 / 0096840 (polished) · 00-9685-0 / 0096850 (silver, polished lip). Our set SKUs are SET4-[part number].
Choose your set
| Set option | Wheels in the set | Size / offset | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gloss Black/Polished Lip — $783.95 | 4 × 00-9682-0 | 15x5.5, ET+30 | Gloss black, polished lip |
| Chrome — $1,537.95 | 4 × 00-9683-0 | 15x5.5, ET+30 | Chrome |
| Polished — $1,224.95 | 4 × 00-9684-0 | 15x5.5, ET+30 | Polished |
| Silver/Polished Lip — $737.95 | 4 × 00-9685-0 | 15x5.5, ET+30 | Silver, polished lip |
The GT-8 is EMPI's eight-spoke street wheel. It has a classic multi-spoke look and adds a little width over the stock 4.5 in steel wheel. Buying all four together costs 10% less than EMPI list for four singles, and freight is built into the price, so the set ships free.
Vehicle fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1968–1979 | VW Beetle and Super Beetle (4-lug) | EMPI lists Type 1 from 08/67 on |
| 1967–1974 | VW Karmann Ghia | 4-lug cars only |
| 1966–1973 | VW Type 3 (Notchback, Squareback, Fastback) | 4-lug cars only |
| 1968–1971 | 4-lug VW-based buggies and Baja Bugs | 4x130 pan or drums |
| Does not fit | 1967 and earlier Beetle, 1966 and earlier Ghia, 1965 and earlier Type 3 | These use the 5x205 (wide-five) pattern |
| Does not fit | Any VW Bus (1950–1970 5x205; 1971–1979 5x112) or VW Thing | Different bolt pattern |
| Does not fit | 5x130 (Porsche-pattern) disc conversions | Different bolt pattern |
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | 15 x 5.5 in, all four wheels (square set) |
| Bolt pattern | 4x130mm (VW 4-lug) |
| Offset / backspacing | ET +30mm / 4-3/8 in backspacing |
| Center bore | Not published by EMPI. Measure your hub, or ask us before ordering |
| Lug seat and thread | 60° conical seat; M14x1.5 lug bolts |
| Optional | 16 × M14x1.5 60° chrome lug bolts (KIT16-00-9712-0), + $89.95 in the Mounting Hardware option |
| Weight | EMPI lists 14.5 lb per wheel (chrome: 15 lb). Set ships at about 63–67 lb |
| Construction | Cast aluminum |
| Finishes | Gloss black/polished lip, chrome, polished, silver/polished lip |
| Recommended tire | Common 15x5.5 choices are 165R15 (or 165/80R15) up front and 165R15 or 185/65R15 at the rear; confirm with your tire shop. |
| Quantity | 4 wheels per set |
What's included / not included
- Included: four EMPI GT-8 15x5.5 4x130 wheels in the finish you choose, plus 16 matching lug bolts if you choose them in the Mounting Hardware option.
- Center caps and valve stems: EMPI's matching cap is the chrome GT-8 cap with EMPI logo (00-9708-0). We are confirming with EMPI whether a cap and valve stem come in every GT-8 box. Ask us if you need them.
- Not included: tires, mounting and balancing, or TPMS sensors.
Add mounting hardware
The GT-8 needs 16 lug bolts, M14x1.5 thread, 60° conical seat. Do not reuse the factory VW lug bolts: stock 4x130 bolts have a ball (radius) seat and will not seat correctly in a 60° cone. Pick the bolts in the Mounting Hardware option above and they ship with your wheels:
| Mounting Hardware option | What it is | Price |
|---|---|---|
| No Hardware | Wheels only, for when you already have the correct 60° M14x1.5 bolts | + $0 |
| 60° Chrome Lug Bolts, Set of 16 (KIT16-00-9712-0) | 16 EMPI chrome M14x1.5 60° conical-seat lug bolts (4 × EMPI 00-9712-0), enough for all four wheels. See the kit | + $89.95 |
For theft protection, swap one bolt per wheel for EMPI 70-2707-0 14mm 60° wheel locks (set of 4 with key).
Why it matters
A wrong lug seat is the most common mistake people make when fitting aftermarket VW wheels. A ball-seat bolt in a cone-seat hole only touches the wheel on a thin ring, so it can work loose. The GT-8 uses 60° cone seats, so order the right bolts with the wheels. The +30mm offset keeps the 5.5 in rim close to stock positioning on a 4-lug car, but check the fender lip on lowered cars.
Install notes
- Test-fit each wheel on the car before the tires are mounted. Check brake drum or caliper clearance and lug bolt thread engagement.
- Tighten in a star pattern to your vehicle manufacturer's torque spec. Re-check the torque after the first 50 miles.
- Wheels with tires mounted cannot be returned.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will EMPI GT-8 wheels fit a 1967 VW Beetle? No. The 1967 Beetle uses the 5x205 wide-five pattern. The GT-8 is 4x130 and fits 1968-and-later Beetles and Super Beetles.
- Do these wheels come with lug bolts? Not by default — choose "60° Chrome Lug Bolts, Set of 16 (KIT16-00-9712-0)" in the Mounting Hardware option (+$89.95) and you get all 16 M14x1.5 60° conical-seat bolts (4 × EMPI 00-9712-0) with your wheels.
- What lug bolts do GT-8 wheels need? Sixteen M14x1.5 lug bolts with a 60° conical seat, such as four packs of EMPI 00-9712-0. Factory ball-seat bolts are the wrong seat.
- What is the offset and backspacing of the EMPI GT-8? ET +30mm with 4-3/8 in backspacing on all four finishes, 15x5.5.
- Is the price for one wheel or four? The price is for a set of four matching wheels. It is 10% below EMPI list for four singles, and shipping is free.
- Can I get a staggered GT-8 set? EMPI makes the 4x130 GT-8 in 15x5.5 only, so every set is square, with the same width front and rear.
- Does the GT-8 fit a VW Bus or Thing? No. Buses use 5x205 (1950–1970) or 5x112 (1971–1979), and the Thing uses 5x205.
Related
All wheels · EMPI GT-8 single wheels · EMPI 60° Lug Bolt Kit, Set of 16 · Air-cooled VW parts
Parts are legal for use on pre-pollution-controlled vehicles only.
Prop 65 Warning
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
