EMPI 9-inch replacement electric fan assembly — the high-efficiency fan used in EMPI's 72-plate and 96-plate competition oil cooler kits. Reversible airflow direction, patented skewed blade design for maximum airflow with minimum noise, and 12V universal application. Use it as a direct replacement on an existing EMPI cooler kit or as a standalone universal cooling fan for radiators, intercoolers, or any 9" fan application. EMPI part #00-9296-0.

Why this fan matters in air-cooled VW cooling

External oil cooler kits on air-cooled VWs rely entirely on the fan to push air through the cooler plates — there's no ram-air effect like on a water-cooled radiator. A weak or worn-out fan means the cooler underperforms, oil temperatures climb, and engine longevity suffers. The factory cooler fans on most kits are adequate when new but lose airflow capacity as the motor bearings wear and the blade balance drifts.

This EMPI replacement fan is the same unit used in their performance competition cooler kits. The patented skewed-blade design moves more air at any given RPM than a standard straight-blade fan, while running quieter — a combination that matters in any cooling application where you're trying to maximize heat dissipation without adding noise.

Reversible airflow lets you configure it as a pusher or puller depending on your cooler installation. The 12V universal motor works in any standard automotive electrical system.

Specifications

• Diameter: 9 inches
• Voltage: 12V universal
• Airflow: 570 CFM
• Blade design: Patented skewed blade
• Airflow direction: Reversible (pusher or puller)
• Application: Replacement for EMPI 72-plate and 96-plate cooler kit fans, or standalone universal 9" cooling fan
• Part number: 00-9296-0

Fitment

• EMPI 72-plate competition oil cooler kit (#00-9292-0) — direct replacement fan
• EMPI 96-plate competition oil cooler kit (#00-9293-0) — direct replacement fan
• Universal 9-inch cooling fan applications: oil coolers, transmission coolers, intercoolers, small radiators

FAQ

How do I know if my existing fan is failing?
Symptoms include reduced airflow (you can feel the difference at the cooler outlet), increased noise (worn bearings make a distinctive whine), motor running hot to the touch, or visible vibration from blade imbalance. A failing fan is a slow problem that gets worse over time and eventually doesn't keep oil temperatures in check.

How do I reverse the airflow direction?
Reverse the polarity of the 12V power connections — swap positive and negative. The motor will then spin in the opposite direction, switching airflow from pusher to puller (or vice versa).

Can I use this on a non-EMPI cooler?
Yes, as long as the cooler has a 9-inch fan mounting pattern. The fan is universal in dimensions; what matters is that your specific cooler has matching mount holes or you can fabricate a bracket.

How much current does it draw?
12V automotive cooling fans of this size typically draw 5–8 amps at full speed. Make sure your wiring and any fuse/relay can handle that load.

Do I need a relay to run it?
For brief duty cycles, you can wire it directly to a switched 12V source. For long-term reliability and to protect your switch contacts, install a 30+ amp automotive relay with the fan on the load side. Most builders use a thermostat-controlled relay that turns the fan on when oil temperature exceeds a set point.

What's the lifespan?
Quality 12V cooling fans last 5–10 years of intermittent duty in air-cooled VW oil cooler service. Continuous-duty racing applications shorten that significantly.