Rocker Stand Shim Set, .030 Thick, 4 Pieces

OVERVIEW

When you are building a high-performance air-cooled engine, precision is the name of the game, and the EMPI Rocker Stand Shim Set is an essential tool for achieving perfect valve train geometry. Achieving the correct geometry is not just about power; it is about the longevity of your valve guides and the efficiency of your entire top end. As you mill your cylinder heads for higher compression or install high-lift performance camshafts, the distance between the camshaft and the rocker arm changes, often causing the rocker arm to strike the valve stem at an improper angle. These .030-inch shims allow you to raise the rocker shaft assembly, restoring the proper arc and ensuring that the rocker arm tip sweeps across the center of the valve stem rather than pushing it sideways, which would otherwise lead to premature wear and catastrophic failure.

Crafted with the rigorous demands of the VW enthusiast in mind, these shims feature a square-cut design that perfectly matches the footprint of standard and performance rocker stands. By using a dedicated shim set rather than improvised washers, you ensure a flat, stable mating surface that maintains its torque setting over time. This set includes four precision-stamped pieces, enough to outfit both cylinder heads on a standard flat-four engine. Whether you are running a daily driver 1600cc or a high-revving 2275cc street-strip monster, these shims provide the fine-tuning capability required to make sure your valve train operates smoothly, quietly, and reliably under all driving conditions. Don''t leave your engine''s health to chance when a simple shim adjustment can provide the professional-grade clearance and alignment your build deserves.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle and Bug (1954-1979)
• Volkswagen Type 1: Karmann Ghia (1956-1974)
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, Station Wagon (1954-1971)
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, Notchback (1961-1973)
• Volkswagen Thing: (1973-1974)
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes using VW-based Type 1 upright engines (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based cases).

SPECS

• Thickness: .030 Inches (0.76mm)
• Quantity: 4 Pieces per set
• Shape: Square (Matches standard rocker stand base)
• Material: High-tensile precision-stamped steel
• Compatibility: Designed for 8mm and 10mm rocker studs
• Finish: Natural steel
• Part Number: 4545-30

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: The Magic Marker Geometry Test

To verify if you need these .030 shims, use a black permanent marker to coat the tip of the valve stem. Reinstall your rocker assembly and rotate the engine by hand through two full cycles. Remove the rocker arm and inspect the wear pattern on the valve stem tip. If the mark is centered, your geometry is correct. If the mark is biased toward the intake side of the head, you likely need to add shims like these to raise the stand and move the contact point toward the center. This ensures the force is directed straight down the valve stem, preventing side-loading of the valve guides.

Tip 2: Accounting for Pushrod Length

Always remember that whenever you add shims under your rocker stands, you are effectively increasing the distance the pushrod must travel to reach the rocker arm. After installing .030 shims, you must re-check your rocker arm sweep and valve lash. In many performance builds, adding shims is part of a "package" adjustment that may require the use of custom-length chromoly pushrods. Never assume your stock pushrods will still have the correct engagement depth after the stands have been elevated; always check for proper thread engagement on your adjusters.

Tip 3: Cleanliness and Torque Consistency

Before installing the EMPI Rocker Stand Shims, ensure that both the cylinder head surface and the bottom of the rocker stand are perfectly clean and free of burrs or old gasket material. Even a small piece of debris can cause the shim to sit unevenly, which leads to a "false torque" reading. When tightening your rocker stand nuts, do so in incremental steps to the factory torque specification (usually 18 ft-lbs for 8mm studs). This ensures the shims are compressed evenly and provide a solid, vibration-free foundation for the high-speed movement of the valve train.