1:1 Performance Rocker Kit

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing your air-cooled Volkswagen engine beyond the limits of a daily grocery getter, the stock valvetrain is often the first place where performance begins to suffer. The EMPI 1:1 Performance Rocker Kit is engineered to eliminate the inherent weaknesses of the factory stamped-steel rockers and the flimsy spring-clip-and-wavy-washer shaft design. By utilizing high-strength forged steel rocker arms and a solid billet rocker shaft, this kit provides the rigidity necessary to maintain precise valve timing and lift even at higher RPM ranges. Whether you are building a spirited street cruiser or a rugged off-road rail, these rockers ensure that your cam profile is translated accurately to the valves without the deflection or lateral movement common in high-mileage stock assemblies. This kit is the ultimate "bulletproof" upgrade for those who want to keep the stock 1.1:1 ratio while significantly increasing the reliability of their Type 1, 2, or 3 engine.

At Appletree Auto, we know that the secret to a long-lasting engine lies in the details, which is why this EMPI kit includes premium features like swivel-foot adjusting screws, often referred to as "elephant feet." These swivel adjusters provide a much larger surface area against the valve stem, drastically reducing side-loading and premature wear on your valve guides. The kit comes complete with heavy-duty billet mounting blocks, geometry shims, and all the necessary hardware to replace your entire rocker assembly. By moving away from the stock "floating" design to a bolt-on solid shaft setup, you are effectively locking in your valvetrain geometry. This results in a quieter engine, smoother power delivery, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your valvetrain won''t fail when you decide to mash the pedal. Don''t settle for tired, 50-year-old technology when you can bolt on race-proven durability today.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle, Bug, and Super Beetle (1954-1977)
• Volkswagen Type 1: Karmann Ghia (1956-1974)
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, Kombi (1200, 1500, 1600cc Upright Engines) (1954-1971)
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, Notchback (1962-1973)
• Volkswagen Type 181: Thing (1973-1974)
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing VW Air-cooled 1200cc through 1600cc based engines.

SPECS

• Rocker Ratio: 1.1:1 (Factory Standard Ratio)
• Rocker Material: High-Strength Forged Steel
• Shaft Design: Heavy-Duty Billet Steel Solid Shaft
• Mounting Blocks: Billet Aluminum/Steel High-Clearance Blocks
• Adjusting Screws: Swivel-Foot "Elephant Foot" Style for reduced friction
• Hardware Included: Solid shaft bolts, washers, and geometry shims
• Finish: Precision Machined and Heat Treated
• Part Number: 17-2954-0
• Weight: 4.28 lbs

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Precise Rocker Geometry is Non-Negotiable

Installing a high-performance rocker kit isn''t just a "bolt-on and go" affair if you want maximum longevity. You must check your rocker arm geometry to ensure the adjusting screw is centered on the valve stem at half-lift. Because this kit uses swivel-foot adjusters, they are physically taller than stock screws. You will likely need to use the included shims under the rocker blocks to raise the assembly. If the geometry is off, you will experience rapid valve guide wear and potentially even coil bind. Always use a solid mock-up pushrod to find your required length before final assembly. Don''t skip this step, or you''ll be pulling the heads back off sooner than you think.

Tip 2: Account for Pushrod Length Changes

Since the swivel-foot adjusters in this EMPI kit are thicker than the standard OE adjusting screws, they take up more space between the rocker and the valve stem. In almost every performance application, this necessitates the use of "cut-to-length" chromoly pushrods. If you attempt to use stock-length pushrods with these rockers, you may find that you cannot get the valves to close or that the adjuster is backed out way too far, weakening the assembly. Measure twice, cut once, and ensure you have at least 1-2 threads showing above the rocker arm when the lash is set at .004 or .006 inches.

Tip 3: The Importance of Assembly Lube and Initial Prime

Before you bolt these rockers down for the final time, generously coat the rocker shafts and the internal bushings of the forged arms with a high-quality molybdenum-disulfide assembly lube. While the VW oiling system eventually feeds the rockers through the pushrods, there is a critical window during the first few seconds of startup where the metal-on-metal contact is high. Additionally, after installation, it is a pro-level move to crank the engine with the spark plugs removed until you see oil pressure on your gauge. This ensures that oil has reached the top end and is lubricating the new forged components before they are subjected to the heat and pressure of combustion.