{"product_id":"air-deflector-plate-left-black-each","title":"EMPI Air Deflector Plate Left — Engine Cooling, Black | VW Type 1 (98-8733-B)","description":"\u003cp\u003eKeep your cylinders running cool with the \u003cb\u003eEMPI Left Air Deflector Plate\u003c\/b\u003e. This critical piece of engine tin channels fresh air from the fan shroud directly around the cylinders, ensuring proper cooling flow to prevent overheating, detonation, and cylinder head damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're replacing a missing or rusted-out original, freshening up a rebuild, or completing a show-quality engine bay, this black deflector plate delivers OEM-style fitment and the airflow control your air-cooled VW engine demands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy Choose the EMPI Air Deflector Plate?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCritical Cooling Component:\u003c\/b\u003e Directs cooling air precisely around the cylinder barrels and heads, preventing hot spots and ensuring even temperature distribution across all four cylinders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDirect OEM Replacement:\u003c\/b\u003e Factory-style fitment designed to seal against the fan shroud and engine case—bolt-on installation with zero modifications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBlack Powder-Coated Finish:\u003c\/b\u003e Durable black coating resists heat, corrosion, and fading for a clean, professional look that holds up to engine bay conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMust Install Before Pushrod Tubes:\u003c\/b\u003e Designed to slide into position during engine assembly before pushrod tubes are installed—critical to the proper installation sequence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSold Individually:\u003c\/b\u003e Left-side deflector plate only—order both left and right for a complete set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart Number:\u003c\/b\u003e 98-8733-B\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/b\u003e EMPI\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSide:\u003c\/b\u003e Left (Driver Side)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eColor:\u003c\/b\u003e Black\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFinish:\u003c\/b\u003e Powder-Coated\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSold As:\u003c\/b\u003e Each (Left Side Only)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlternative OEM Part #:\u003c\/b\u003e 131-119-357\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eUPC:\u003c\/b\u003e 707924468694\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eVehicle Fitment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBeetle (Type 1):\u003c\/b\u003e 1961–1979 (all Type 1 upright air-cooled engines)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKarmann Ghia:\u003c\/b\u003e 1961–1974\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eType 3:\u003c\/b\u003e 1962–1973 (upright engine applications)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Thing:\u003c\/b\u003e 1973–1974\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDune Buggy \/ Manx \/ Sandrail:\u003c\/b\u003e All Type 1-based builds\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eInstallation Tips\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInstall Before Pushrod Tubes:\u003c\/b\u003e The deflector plate MUST be installed before the pushrod tubes—once the tubes are in, you cannot slide the plate into position. Plan your assembly sequence accordingly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCheck Fan Shroud Fitment:\u003c\/b\u003e Verify the deflector plate seals flush against the fan shroud with no gaps—air leaks here will allow hot air to recirculate and reduce cooling efficiency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInspect for Damage:\u003c\/b\u003e Check for dents, cracks, or warping before installation. A damaged deflector won't seal properly and will compromise cooling performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrder a Complete Set:\u003c\/b\u003e Don't forget the right-side deflector (Part #98-8732-B)—both sides are required for proper engine cooling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWARNING:\u003c\/b\u003e 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 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.P65Warnings.ca.gov\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewww.P65Warnings.ca.gov\u003c\/a\u003e. All parts legal for use on pre-pollution controlled vehicles only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eExplore Related Categories\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRefreshing your engine tin or cooling system? Browse the rest of our VW catalog: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/engine-tin-components\"\u003eEngine Tin \u0026amp; Components\u003c\/a\u003e for shrouds, fan housings, and seal trays, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/oil-cooling\"\u003eOil Cooling \u0026amp; Components\u003c\/a\u003e for coolers, thermostats, and hoses, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/washburn-originals\"\u003eThe Washburn's Signature Series\u003c\/a\u003e for our full line of original VW restoration solutions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EMPI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45024950681715,"sku":"98-8733-B","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/98-8733-B.jpg?v=1779373935","url":"https:\/\/shop.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/air-deflector-plate-left-black-each","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}