Rocker Stand Shim Set, .015 Thick, 4 Pieces

OVERVIEW

Precision is the hallmark of a high-performance air-cooled engine, and achieving the perfect valve train geometry is impossible without the right tools. The EMPI Rocker Stand Shim Set is an essential component for any builder looking to optimize the relationship between the rocker arm and the valve stem. When you mill your cylinder heads, install a high-lift camshaft, or utilize a long-stroke crankshaft, the factory geometry is often thrown out of alignment. These .015-inch thick shims allow you to raise the rocker shaft stands just enough to restore the proper arc of the rocker arm, ensuring that the adjuster screw remains centered on the valve tip throughout the entire lift cycle. By fine-tuning this height, you eliminate the mechanical interference and side-loading that can lead to catastrophic engine failure or power loss.

Constructed from high-grade steel to withstand the constant reciprocating stresses of a high-revving VW engine, these shims are designed with a square profile that perfectly matches the footprint of your rocker stands. This ensures a stable, flat mounting surface that won''t shift or compress under the torque of your rocker arm studs. Whether you are building a weekend cruiser or a dedicated drag strip Beetle, these shims provide the incremental adjustment needed to prevent premature valve guide wear and maximize the efficiency of your camshaft''s lift profile. Don''t leave your valve train to chance; use these professional-grade shims to dial in your engine''s performance and ensure long-term reliability for your air-cooled investment.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle / Bug (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, 1600cc) 1946-1979
• Volkswagen Type 1: Karmann Ghia 1956-1974
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus / Transporter / Kombi (Single & Double Cab) 1950-1971
• Volkswagen Type 3: Squareback, Fastback, Notchback 1962-1973
• Volkswagen Type 181: Thing 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing Type 1 upright cooling configurations.

SPECS

• Thickness: .015 Inches (0.38mm)
• Quantity: 4 Pieces (Complete set for one engine)
• Material: High-Strength Precision Ground Steel
• Shape: Square (Matches standard rocker stand base)
• Compatibility: Fits stock and heavy-duty aftermarket rocker shafts/stands
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 4545-15

PRO TIPS

1. Mastering the Half-Lift Rule

To determine if you need these .015-inch shims, you must check your geometry at half-lift. Rotate the engine until the valve is exactly halfway through its total travel. At this point, the rocker arm adjuster screw should be in a perfectly straight line with the valve stem. If the rocker arm is tilted too far down toward the head, adding these shims will lift the assembly and bring the geometry back into the "sweet spot." Proper alignment here reduces friction and ensures that the force is pushed straight down the valve rather than pushing it sideways against the guide.

2. Verify Stud Length and Thread Engagement

When you start stacking shims to achieve your desired height, always verify that your rocker arm studs are long enough to provide full thread engagement for the nuts. If you find that the nut does not have enough "bite" after adding .015 or more in shims, you may need to upgrade to heavy-duty chromoly extended rocker studs. Never sacrifice thread engagement for geometry, as a pulled stud will lead to immediate valve train failure and potential piston-to-valve contact.

3. Surface Cleanliness is Paramount

Before installing these shims, ensure that both the top of the cylinder head boss and the bottom of the rocker stand are perfectly clean and free of burrs or old gasket material. Because these shims are precision-ground to .015 inches, even a small speck of dirt or a metal shaving can cause the rocker stand to sit at an angle. This slight tilt can cause the rocker shaft to bind or lead to uneven wear on your rocker arm bushings. Use a light coating of assembly lube or oil to "stick" the shim to the stand during installation to prevent it from sliding out of alignment as you torque the nuts down.