Rocker Arm Shim Set, .010 Thick, 8 Pieces

EMPI Rocker Arm Shim Set: Precision Performance for VW Aircooled Engines

Product Overview and Specifications

The EMPI Rocker Arm Shim Set (Part #00-4058-0) is an essential upgrade for VW enthusiasts looking to stabilize their valvetrain. These shims are designed to replace the standard wave washers found on stock rocker shaft setups. By replacing the flexible wave washers with solid shims, you eliminate excess side play, ensuring that your rocker arms maintain consistent geometry and precise alignment over the valve stems.

• Thickness: .010 inches
• Inner Diameter (ID): .710 inches
• Quantity: 8 Pieces per set
• Material: High-quality hardened steel for durability

Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility

This shim set is engineered for universal fitment across the classic Volkswagen aircooled engine range. It is a standard requirement for high-performance builds or when upgrading to bolt-on rocker shafts. Fitment includes:

• VW Type 1: Beetle, Karmann Ghia, and Thing (1200cc - 1600cc based engines)
• VW Type 2: Bus, Transporter, and Kombi (up to 1971)
• VW Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback
• Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing VW aircooled powerplants

Professional Tech Tips for Installation

Tip 1: Measure Your Total Side Play. Before final assembly, use a feeler gauge to measure the side play between the rocker arm and the shaft support. For most high-performance VW applications, you are aiming for a clearance between .004" and .006". Using these .010" shims allows you to fine-tune that gap to prevent the rocker from "walking" on the shaft, which can cause premature wear.

Tip 2: Ditch the Wave Washers. Stock wave washers are designed for stock lift and low RPMs, but they can flatten out or cause inconsistent valve timing under high-performance loads. When building a performance engine or installing a high-lift camshaft, always replace the wave washers with a solid shim stack to ensure the rocker arm stays centered over the valve stem tip.

Tip 3: Check for Proper Lubrication. While shimming the rocker arms for tight tolerances, always ensure that the oil holes in the rocker shaft remain unobstructed. After installing the shims and tightening the rocker blocks, rotate the engine by hand to verify that oil is reaching the rocker arm bushings and that there is no binding throughout the full cycle of the valve lift.