EMPI 22mm Buggy Master Cylinder — Complete Unit with Reservoir & Internal Residual Valve

Designed for off-road buggies and light recreational vehicles, this EMPI master cylinder pairs a sizable 22mm bore with an integrated reservoir and cap so you get a ready-to-install hydraulic brake control. The internal residual valve maintains system pressure where needed for drum or mixed brake setups, and the compact, universal footprint suits many dune buggy frames and mounting arrangements. Built to replace or upgrade existing small-bore units, it gives improved fluid volume and smoother pedal feel for light off-road vehicles.

How does the 22mm bore affect braking performance?

A 22mm bore increases fluid displacement per pedal stroke compared with smaller diameters, which helps move more brake fluid toward calipers or wheel cylinders and can deliver firmer response in light vehicle applications. It’s particularly useful when converting a single-circuit setup to a dual or when you need enough capacity for 2- or 4-wheel braking without oversizing.

• 22mm bore for higher fluid displacement and consistent pedal travel
• Better suited than small-bore units for light off-road brake systems
• Balances volume and required pedal force for dune buggy weight

What components are included and why do they matter?

This EMPI master cylinder ships complete with the transparent reservoir, screw-on cap and an internal residual valve already installed. That means fewer parts to source separately and a faster installation, while the residual valve preserves a small amount of pressure needed for drum brakes or mixed braking systems to function correctly.

• Reservoir and cap included for immediate fluid fill and sealing
• Internal residual valve preinstalled to maintain proper system pressure
• Ready-to-mount assembly reduces installation time

Will this fit my dune buggy or vintage VW-based project?

The master cylinder’s mounting pattern and port layout are common to many lightweight off-road and kit vehicles, but exact fitment depends on your pedal box and brake line routing. Check spline/rod length, mounting bolt spacing and port thread sizes before ordering to ensure direct replacement or minimal modification.

• Common universal footprint for many buggies and kit cars
• Verify push-rod length and mounting bolt centers for compatibility
• May need adapters or custom lines for some vintage conversions

How do I install and maintain the unit safely?

Installation requires basic mechanical skills: secure the cylinder to the pedal assembly, connect brake lines to the correct ports, fill with recommended brake fluid, then properly bleed the system to remove air. Regular checks of fluid level and cap sealing keep performance reliable and prevent contamination.

• Bolt to pedal box and attach push rod with correct clearance
• Use manufacturer-recommended brake fluid and follow bleeding steps
• Inspect reservoir cap and seals periodically for leaks or debris

Who is this for? EMPI’s 22mm Buggy Master Cylinder is aimed at dune buggy builders, kit car enthusiasts, and owners of light off-road vehicles who need a compact, higher-volume master cylinder with an onboard reservoir and residual valve. It’s a practical upgrade for projects that require reliable 2- or 4-wheel braking capacity without converting to a much larger industrial master cylinder. Mechanics and hobbyists who can verify mounting and port compatibility will find this unit an efficient way to refresh or improve braking control on lightweight recreational vehicles.