EMPI Serpentine Replacement Belt — 5-Rib, 918mm (5PK918) | EMPI Serpentine Pulley Systems, VW Type 1 & 2 (17-2811-1)

EMPI Serpentine Replacement Belt — 5-Rib, 918mm (17-2811-1)

A serpentine conversion is a great way to run an air-cooled Type 1 until the belt glazes, cracks or starts chirping, and then you need the one belt that actually fits the system. EMPI 17-2811-1 is that belt: the 5-rib, 918mm replacement for EMPI's bolt-on serpentine pulley systems. 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.

Key Features & Benefits

• Made for the EMPI system: the replacement belt for EMPI serpentine pulley kits 17-2811 (polished) and 17-2911 (black). Dealers also list it for 18-1070 (blue) and 18-1071 (red).
• 5-rib profile: it grips the ribbed pulleys across the full width, which is what keeps a serpentine drive from slipping at high rpm.
• Correct length: 918mm (about 36.1 in) for the EMPI crank, alternator/generator and tensioner layout.
• Genuine EMPI: sold by Washburn's Metal.

Fitment

This belt fits air-cooled VW Type 1-case engines fitted with an EMPI serpentine belt pulley system. It is matched to the pulley kit, not to the car's model year.

• CONFIRMED: EMPI serpentine pulley systems 17-2811 and 17-2911 (EMPI part description; CIP1 lists it for both). EMPI rates these systems for all Type 1 engine cases on a generator or alternator stand.
• DEALER-LISTED: EMPI 18-1070 (blue) and 18-1071 (red) systems, and Beetle 1961–1977, Super Beetle 1971–1976, Karmann Ghia 1961–1974, Bus 1961–1971 and Thing 1973–1974 fitted with one of those systems (JBugs).
• NOT CONFIRMED: stock V-belt pulleys (this belt won't run on them), serpentine kits from other makers, Type 4 / 1972-and-later Bus engines, and any engine where the pulley stand or crank pulley has been changed from the EMPI kit layout.

Technical Specifications

• 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)

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 this 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? 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 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 it ship? As a small, light parcel. It is not hazmat and has no ground-only restriction.

Explore Related Categories

Keeping an air-cooled engine cool? Browse the full EMPI Parts catalog, VW Beetle Parts, Dune Buggy & Manx Parts and All Air-Cooled VW.

Prop 65 Warning

⚠ 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.