Empi Wheels

EMPI: A Heritage of European Performance Since 1963

EMPI (European Motor Products, Inc.) has stood as a cornerstone in the European performance aftermarket since 1963, with a particular focus on classic Volkswagen and Porsche vehicles. What began as a small parts supplier in Riverside, California, grew into one of the most respected names in European performance parts, with their wheel designs becoming particularly iconic among enthusiasts.

While American muscle cars were defining one aspect of automotive culture in the 1960s and 70s, EMPI was at the forefront of the burgeoning European performance scene, creating wheels that perfectly complemented the distinctive styling and handling characteristics of German engineering. Today, EMPI continues to offer authentic reproductions of their classic designs alongside new patterns that honor that rich heritage.

Signature EMPI Wheel Collections

EMPI 5-Spoke Series: The Iconic Classic

The legendary EMPI 5-spoke wheel remains their most recognizable design, having adorned countless VW Beetles, Buses, and Karmann Ghias since the 1960s:

The 5-spoke design has become synonymous with the classic VW scene, offering the perfect blend of vintage European styling with a hint of California hot rod influence that defined EMPI's unique approach to wheel design.

BRM Reproduction Series: Racing Heritage

EMPI's BRM reproductions pay homage to the legendary racing wheels that dominated European motorsports in the 1960s and 70s:

These wheels capture the essence of vintage European racing, perfectly complementing classic Porsches, VWs, and other European performance cars while providing a period-correct appearance for restorations and custom builds.

Sprint Star Series: Motorsport Inspired

The Sprint Star series draws inspiration from 1970s European rally and track competition:

These wheels evoke the spirit of dusty rally stages and European circuit racing, providing enthusiasts with authentic styling that communicates motorsport heritage.

GT-8 Series: Porsche-Inspired Classics

The GT-8 series offers wheels that draw inspiration from iconic Porsche designs:

Construction and Engineering

EMPI wheels feature quality construction methods focused on authentic vintage styling with modern manufacturing standards:

Materials and Methods

Structural Features

Finish Options

EMPI wheels are available in several period-correct finishes:

Sizing and Fitment Options

EMPI offers sizing options specifically tailored to European classics:

Vehicle Applications

EMPI wheels are ideally suited for several classic European vehicle types:

The EMPI Advantage

Several factors distinguish EMPI wheels in the marketplace:

Custom and Staggered Applications

EMPI excels in providing options for modified European classics:

Key Takeaways

To explore the complete range of EMPI wheels for your classic European vehicle, visit Empi Wheels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes EMPI wheels different from other aftermarket wheels?

EMPI wheels distinguish themselves through their specialized focus on European applications, particularly classic Volkswagen and Porsche vehicles. Since 1963, EMPI has developed deep expertise in the unique requirements of these platforms, creating wheels with precise fitments and period-correct styling. Unlike general aftermarket brands, EMPI engineers their products specifically for the bolt patterns, offsets, and load requirements of vintage European cars. Their designs authentically recreate iconic European motorsport and factory styling, with particular attention to details that enthusiasts appreciate. This focused specialization allows EMPI to offer wheels that provide both the authentic appearance and proper technical specifications for European classics.

Are EMPI wheels suitable for daily drivers?

Yes, EMPI wheels are well-suited for daily driven classic European cars. Despite their vintage-inspired styling, EMPI manufactures their wheels using modern techniques and materials that meet contemporary standards for structural integrity and durability. Their cast aluminum construction provides a good balance of strength and weight, while proper engineering ensures they can handle the stresses of regular driving. For daily use, EMPI's standard finishes offer good corrosion resistance, though regular cleaning is recommended to maintain their appearance. The wheels are designed to accept modern tire sizes and valve stems, making them fully compatible with today's tires. Many enthusiasts have successfully used EMPI wheels on their daily-driven VWs and Porsches for years without issue.

What's the history behind the EMPI 5-spoke wheel design?

The iconic EMPI 5-spoke wheel emerged during the 1960s California custom VW scene, when EMPI (European Motor Products, Inc.) was establishing itself as a leading performance parts supplier for air-cooled Volkswagens. The design was influenced by both European racing wheels and American hot rod styling, creating a distinctive look that perfectly complemented modified VWs. The 5-spoke pattern featured clean, straight spokes with a dish profile that allowed for wider tires than factory wheels could accommodate. This design quickly became popular among the "Cal Look" VW movement, where enthusiasts sought to create sleeker, performance-oriented Beetles. The wheel's popularity exploded when featured on numerous magazine cover cars and show winners, cementing its status as one of the most recognizable wheels in European car culture.

How do I determine the correct EMPI wheel size for my classic VW?

Determining the correct EMPI wheel size for your classic VW depends on several factors including your vehicle model, desired appearance, and any suspension or fender modifications. For stock-bodied air-cooled VWs (Beetles, Buses, Ghias), the standard 15x5.5" size works well for most applications with appropriate backspacing. For a more aggressive stance, many enthusiasts choose 15x5.5" front with 15x7" rear wheels. If your vehicle has lowered suspension or fender modifications, you'll need to carefully consider backspacing to ensure proper clearance. For Cal-Look builds, wider rear wheels (up to 15x8") are popular but typically require fender modifications. Always check the center bore (typically 4x130mm for most air-cooled VWs) and verify the load rating is appropriate for your vehicle's weight. EMPI's technical staff can provide guidance based on your specific application.

Can EMPI wheels be used on non-European vehicles?

While EMPI wheels are primarily designed for European vehicles, some of their designs can be adapted to fit certain non-European applications with compatible bolt patterns. For example, their 4x100mm pattern wheels (designed for water-cooled VWs) can fit some Japanese vehicles that share this common bolt pattern. Similarly, wheels designed for 5x112mm applications might fit select domestic vehicles with matching patterns. However, it's important to consider more than just bolt pattern – factors like center bore diameter, offset, load rating, and hub-centric design all affect proper fitment. When using EMPI wheels on non-European vehicles, hub-centric rings are often necessary to ensure proper centering. While possible in some cases, using EMPI wheels on non-European vehicles should be approached carefully with thorough research to ensure proper fitment and safety.

Empi Wheels