German VW Valve Covers w/ -8 AN Breather Bungs + EMPI Aluminum Breather Box Combo | VW Type 1 Engines (BDL-E21-8544)
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| Part number / SKU | BDL-E21-8544 (combo of #E21 + EMPI 00-8544-0) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Valve covers: original German-stamped Volkswagen covers, restored and modified by Washburn's Metal, Orange, California. Breather box: EMPI. |
| Fits | VW Type 1 upright air-cooled engines: Beetle 1961–1979, Bus with a Type 1 engine 1950–1971, Karmann Ghia 1956–1974, Type 3 1962–1973, Thing 1973–1974, and buggies or kit cars running a Type 1. Not Type 4. |
| What's included | One pair of restored German valve covers with TIG-welded -8 AN bungs (#E21), plus one EMPI cast aluminum oil breather box kit with 1/2" I.D. heavy-duty hose (00-8544-0). Add German cork gaskets and German or aftermarket bales with the options above. |
| Combo savings | 5% less than buying the parts separately |
Vented valve covers and a breather box, in one box
Short answer: This combo pairs our restored German-stamped valve covers with TIG-welded -8 AN breather bungs (#E21) with the EMPI cast aluminum oil breather box kit (00-8544-0). It fits VW Type 1 upright engines, not Type 4, and costs 5% less than buying the two separately.
If you're building a 1776cc or larger engine, blow-by is more than the stock breather can clear. The covers give you a clean place to plumb the crankcase vent. The EMPI box catches the oil vapor so it stays out of your engine bay. Order them together and everything ships in the same box.
What you're getting
- Restored German valve covers, pair (#E21). Original German-stamped steel, heavier gauge than reproduction covers, media blasted and powder coated semi-gloss black. One TIG-welded -8 AN male bung per cover.
- EMPI aluminum breather box kit (00-8544-0). Cast aluminum box with a cast EMPI logo and an internal screen mesh shelf that holds the foam filter above the oil it captures. Includes heavy-duty 1/2" I.D. breather hose.
- Optional gaskets and bales. Choose German cork gaskets (#E22) and German black (#E24) or aftermarket yellow zinc (#E26) bales from the options above.
Plumbing note
The valve covers have -8 AN male bungs. The EMPI kit comes with 1/2" I.D. hose. To connect them you'll need -8 AN hose-end fittings or adapters for your hose, which are not included in this combo. Run one bung to the breather box and cap the other, or plumb both. Most builders use both.
Gasket and bale options
| Add-on | What it is |
|---|---|
| German Cork Gaskets (#E22) | Pair of high-density German cork gaskets, one per cover |
| German Bales, Black (#E24) | Pair of German spring-steel bales with full clamping tension. Our pick for a leak-free seal |
| Aftermarket Bales, Yellow Zinc (#E26) | Pair of zinc-plated aftermarket bales. A budget choice if yours are missing or bent |
The bales fit 1961 and later (40hp and up) engines; 36hp engines use a different bale.
Fitment
Confirmed fit, VW Type 1 upright air-cooled engine:
- VW Beetle and Super Beetle, 1961–1979
- VW Bus / Transporter, 1950–1971, Type 1 engine only
- VW Karmann Ghia, 1956–1974
- VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback), 1962–1973
- VW Thing (Type 181), 1973–1974
- Dune buggies, sand rails and kit cars running a Type 1 engine
Will not fit: Type 4 engines (1972 and later Bus, 411, 412 and the Porsche 914). Type 4 covers are a different shape and these will not seal.
Questions we get
What's in the combo? One pair of #E21 restored German valve covers with -8 AN bungs and one EMPI 00-8544-0 aluminum breather box kit with 1/2" hose. Gaskets and bales are optional add-ons.
Do I need a high-performance engine to use these? No. They fit a stock Type 1 engine. The setup matters most on 1776cc and larger builds, where there's more blow-by.
Are fittings included to connect the covers to the box? No. You'll need -8 AN hose-end fittings or adapters that suit your hose.
Will they fit a Type 4 engine? No. These are Type 1 only.
Are you an authorized EMPI dealer? Yes. Washburn's Metal is an authorized EMPI dealer, so the breather kit is new, genuine EMPI stock.
Related parts
- #E21 German valve covers with -8 AN bungs (sold separately)
- EMPI 00-8544-0 aluminum oil breather kit (sold separately)
- Engine Tin & Components
- EMPI
All 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.
