Gtv-2 CNC VW Heads, 94mm Stage 3, with Dual Springs, Pair

OVERVIEW

When it comes to extracting maximum horsepower and uncompromising reliability from your high-displacement air-cooled engine, the EMPI GTV-2 CNC Stage 3 Wedge Ported Cylinder Heads stand as the pinnacle of performance engineering. These heads aren''t just cast; they are sculpted using a state-of-the-art 5-axis CNC mill to ensure that every intake and exhaust port is identical, providing balanced flow across all four cylinders. Starting with the legendary GTV-2 castingwhich features significantly beefed-up material in all the critical areasthese heads are designed to withstand the immense thermal and mechanical stresses of high-compression, high-RPM street and strip applications. The specialized aluminum alloy used in the casting process offers superior heat dissipation and structural integrity, while the added material surrounding the combustion chambers allows for deep fly-cutting without compromising the head''s strength. If you are building a 1915cc, 2110cc, 2276cc, or 2332cc powerhouse, these Stage 3 CNC heads provide the massive airflow required to feed large-bore pistons and high-lift camshafts.

Beyond the impressive CNC porting, these GTV-2 heads come fully loaded with professional-grade competition components that make them ready for immediate installation. Each head features oversized 44mm stainless steel intake valves and 37.5mm stainless steel exhaust valves, seated with a precision 3-angle valve job for an airtight seal and optimal transition into the combustion chamber. To handle the aggressive ramp rates of performance cams, EMPI has equipped these heads with competition dual valve springs, chromoly retainers, and hardened keepers, ensuring that valve float is a thing of the past even at high RPM. A critical design upgrade is the move to 12mm 3/4-reach spark plug holes; this smaller diameter plug leaves more material between the spark plug and the valve seats, significantly reducing the risk of the common cracking issues found in stock-style heads. With clear exhaust air passages for superior cooling and bronze valve guides for longevity, these Stage 3 heads represent the ultimate evolution of the Volkswagen cylinder head, delivering the "Big Valve" performance that serious VW enthusiasts demand.

FITMENT

These cylinder heads are designed for high-performance Type 1 based engines utilizing a 94mm bore size. They are compatible with the following models when equipped with a performance air-cooled engine build:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954 through 1977 (Sedan and Convertible)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1954 through 1971
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961 through 1973
• Custom Sand Rails, Baja Bugs, and Manx-style Buggies utilizing Type 1 upright engine configurations.

SPECS

Every detail of the GTV-2 Stage 3 CNC head is engineered for extreme performance and durability. Below are the technical specifications for this pair of heads:

• Bore Size: 94mm (Designed for 1915cc, 2110cc, 2276cc, and 2332cc engines)
• Porting Style: 5-Axis CNC Wedge Ported (Stage 3)
• Intake Valve Size: 44mm Stainless Steel
• Exhaust Valve Size: 37.5mm Stainless Steel
• Valve Springs: Competition Dual Springs
• Valve Retainers: Heavy-Duty Chromoly
• Valve Keepers: Hardened Steel
• Spark Plug Hole: 12mm with 3/4-inch Reach (Long Reach)
• Valve Guides: High-Quality Bronze
• Valve Job: Precision 3-Angle
• Casting Material: Proprietary High-Strength Aluminum Alloy
• Cooling Features: Clear-path exhaust air passages for maximum thermal management
• Quantity: Sold as a matched pair (Set of 2)

PRO TIPS

1. Optimize Your Valve Train Geometry

When installing these Stage 3 heads, especially if you are using a high-lift camshaft or high-ratio rockers (such as 1.25:1 or 1.4:1), it is absolutely vital to check and set your valve train geometry. Because these heads are CNC ported and often used in stroker engines, the distance between the rocker arm and the valve stem may vary from a stock configuration. Use an adjustable pushrod to find the correct length that allows the rocker arm to sit perfectly centered on the valve stem at half-lift. This ensures that the force is applied straight down the valve stem, preventing premature wear on the bronze valve guides and ensuring that you get the full lift potential out of your camshaft. Don''t forget to use assembly lube on the valve tips and rocker pads during the initial setup.

2. Calculate and Confirm Your Compression Ratio

The GTV-2 Stage 3 heads feature a Wedge Port design and a specific combustion chamber volume, but "out of the box" CC measurements can vary slightly depending on your specific performance needs. Before final assembly, always CC your chambers and calculate your deck height to determine your exact static compression ratio. Because these heads have extra material for deep fly-cutting, you have the flexibility to mill the heads to reach a higher compression ratio if your fuel and cam profile allow for it. For a high-performance street engine, aim for a compression ratio that balances power with the octane rating of the fuel available in your area to prevent detonation and overheating.

3. Spark Plug Selection and Torque

One of the best features of these heads is the 12mm 3/4-reach spark plug hole, but it requires a specific plug that is different from the standard VW 14mm short-reach plugs. We highly recommend using a high-quality spark plug like the NGK D7EA or equivalent, depending on your engine''s heat range requirements. The 3/4-inch long reach ensures the spark is initiated deep within the combustion chamber for a more efficient burn. When installing the plugs, always use a small amount of anti-seize on the threads to prevent the steel plug from galling the aluminum head. Torque them to the manufacturer''s specification; because the 12mm plug has a smaller footprint, over-tor