VW Serpentine Belt, 5-Rib 918mm (5PK918) — EMPI 17-2811-1 Replacement for EMPI Serpentine Pulley Systems | VW Beetle Type 1 & Type 2
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EMPI Serpentine Replacement Belt — 5-Rib, 918mm (17-2811-1)
EMPI 17-2811-1 is the 5-rib, 918mm (5PK918, about 36.1 in x 5/8 in) replacement belt for EMPI's bolt-on serpentine pulley systems on air-cooled VW Type 1 engines — 17-2811 polished and 17-2911 black, and dealer-listed for 18-1070 blue and 18-1071 red. It is matched to the pulley kit, not the model year, and will not run on stock V-belt pulleys. Sold each.
Part numbers: EMPI 17-2811-1 / 17-2911-1 (some sellers) · size 5PK918 · UPC 707924402735
Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| — | EMPI serpentine pulley systems 17-2811 and 17-2911 | Confirmed (EMPI part description) |
| — | EMPI 18-1070 (blue) and 18-1071 (red) systems | Dealer-listed |
| 1961–1977 | VW Beetle | With an EMPI serpentine system (dealer-listed) |
| 1971–1979 | VW Super Beetle | With an EMPI serpentine system (dealer-listed) |
| 1961–1974 | VW Karmann Ghia | With an EMPI serpentine system (dealer-listed) |
| 1961–1971 | VW Bus | Type 1 engine with an EMPI serpentine system (dealer-listed) |
| 1973–1974 | VW Thing | With an EMPI serpentine system (dealer-listed) |
| — | Does not fit: stock V-belt pulleys | This ribbed belt won't run on them |
| — | Not confirmed: other makers' serpentine kits, Type 4 / 1972-and-later Bus engines, modified pulley layouts |
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part number | EMPI 17-2811-1 |
| Belt type | 5-rib serpentine (poly-V) |
| Size | 918mm effective length (approx. 36.1 in) x 5/8 in wide, size 5PK918 (per dealer spec) |
| Used on | EMPI 17-2811 / 17-2911 serpentine pulley systems |
| Sold as | Each |
| UPC | 707924402735 |
| Country of origin | Mexico |
| Shipping weight | 0.175 lb |
| Package dimensions | 8 x 6 x 1 in (estimated) |
Why it matters
A serpentine conversion runs great until the belt glazes, cracks or starts chirping, and then you need the one belt that fits the system. The 5-rib profile grips the ribbed pulleys across the full width, which keeps a serpentine drive from slipping at high rpm. Keep one in the glovebox: a thrown belt on an air-cooled engine means no fan and no cooling, so you have to shut it down now.
Installation notes
- Back off the tensioner, lift the old belt off, and check every pulley for wobble or a damaged groove before you fit the new one.
- Route the new belt exactly as the EMPI kit instructions show, with all five ribs seated in every pulley. A belt riding one rib over will shred.
- Set the tension to EMPI's spec, run the engine, and re-check after the first heat cycle.
- If a belt glazed or wore on one edge, find out why (alignment, a seized tensioner or a bent bracket) before you blame the belt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the EMPI 17-2811-1 belt fit a 1970 VW Beetle?
Only if the engine has an EMPI serpentine pulley system on it (17-2811 polished, 17-2911 black, 18-1070 blue or 18-1071 red). A stock 1970 Beetle runs a V-belt, and this ribbed belt will not work on stock pulleys.
What is the part number for the EMPI serpentine replacement belt?
EMPI 17-2811-1, the replacement belt for the EMPI serpentine pulley systems. Some sellers list it as 17-2911-1. UPC 707924402735.
What size is the EMPI serpentine belt?
It is a 5-rib belt, 918mm long (about 36.1 in, 5/8 in wide). That is size 5PK918.
Can I use a parts-store 5PK918 belt instead?
A belt of the same 5PK918 size should physically fit, but we have not verified any other brand against the EMPI system. This is the belt EMPI supplies for it.
How does the belt ship?
As a small, light parcel. It is not hazmat and has no ground-only restriction.
Related parts
- EMPI Serpentine Belt Pulley System (17-2811 / 17-2911 / 18-1070 / 18-1071)
- EMPI Parts · Engine Parts · VW Beetle Parts · Dune Buggy & Manx Parts · All Air-Cooled VW
⚠ WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. All parts legal for use on pre-pollution controlled vehicles only.
