Seal the gap between your heater boxes and engine case with the EMPI Heater Channel Kit. This 3-piece black gasket set is the finishing touch for controlling engine bay heat, ensuring your cooling system operates at peak efficiency while preventing heat bleed and air leaks that can rob performance.

Whether you're restoring a stock Beetle, dialing in a high-performance build, or just freshening up worn heater box seals, this kit delivers the precise fit and durable seal your air-cooled VW engine demands.

Why Choose the EMPI Heater Channel Kit?

• Complete 3-Piece Set: Includes all three heater channel seals needed for a full engine bay installation—no cutting, no guessing, no ordering extras.

• Heat-Resistant Construction: Engineered to withstand the extreme temperatures of the heater box and exhaust interface without degrading or cracking.

• Direct OEM Replacement: Factory-style fitment designed to seal the gap between the heater boxes and engine case—bolt-on installation with zero modifications.

• Prevents Heat Bleed: Seals air leaks that allow hot exhaust gases to escape into the engine compartment, improving cooling efficiency and preventing overheating.

• Black Finish: Clean, low-profile appearance that blends with factory engine tin and heater boxes.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 00-8948-B

• Manufacturer: EMPI

• Color: Black

• Sold As: 3-Piece Kit (Complete Set)

• UPC: 707924436723

Vehicle Fitment

• Beetle (Type 1): 1961–1979 (all Type 1 air-cooled engines with heater boxes)

• Karmann Ghia: 1961–1974

• Type 3: 1962–1973 (upright engine applications)

• The Thing: 1973–1974

Installation Tips

• Clean the Mating Surfaces: Remove all old gasket material, carbon buildup, and debris from both the heater box and engine case surfaces before installing the new channels—contamination will prevent a proper seal.

• Check Heater Box Condition: Inspect your heater boxes for cracks, warping, or excessive corrosion before sealing. A damaged heater box won't seal properly regardless of gasket condition.

• Torque Hardware Evenly: Tighten heater box mounting hardware in a crisscross pattern to factory torque spec to ensure even pressure across the channel seals.

• Replace During Heater Box Service: Always replace heater channels when removing heater boxes for service or exhaust work—reusing old channels leads to leaks and poor sealing.

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.

Explore Related Categories

Refreshing your cooling system or engine tin? Browse the rest of our VW catalog: Engine Tin & Components for shrouds, fan housings, and seal trays, Oil Cooling & Components for coolers, thermostats, and hoses, and The Washburn's Signature Series for our full line of original VW restoration solutions.