Cylinder Shim Set, Fits 85.5, 87 & 88mm, .060 Thick, 4 Pc

Overview

Precision is the cornerstone of any high-performance air-cooled engine build, and achieving the perfect deck height is arguably the most critical step in that process. This EMPI Cylinder Shim Set is designed specifically for builders who refuse to compromise on engine longevity and power delivery. When assembling a Type 1 Volkswagen engine, the distance between the top of the piston at Top Dead Center (TDC) and the top edge of the cylinderknown as deck heightdirectly dictates your compression ratio and quench effect. If your deck height is too tight, you risk catastrophic piston-to-head contact at high RPMs; if it is too loose, you lose efficiency and invite engine knock. These .060-inch shims provide a robust solution for correcting these clearances without the need for expensive and irreversible machine work on your pistons or cylinder faces.

Crafted to meet the rigorous demands of the VW enthusiast, these shims are compatible with the most popular bore sizes, including 85.5mm, 87mm, and 88mm (slip-in) cylinders. Whether you are building a stock 1600cc restoration, a peppy 1641cc daily driver, or a high-revving 1679cc weekend warrior, having a set of these .060-inch spacers in your arsenal is essential. They are particularly useful when using long-stroke crankshafts or when your engine case and cylinder heads have been surfaced multiple times, which naturally reduces the deck height. By installing these shims at the base of the cylinder where it meets the engine case, you can dial in your compression ratio to exact specifications, ensuring your air-cooled powerplant runs cooler, lasts longer, and performs at its absolute peak. Don''t leave your engine''s geometry to chance; use the industry standard to get the job done right the first time.

Fitment Guide

This cylinder shim set is designed for Volkswagen Type 1 based air-cooled engines. It fits the following bore sizes and vehicle applications:

• Compatible Bore Sizes: 85.5mm (Stock 1600cc), 87mm (1641cc), and 88mm Slip-In (1679cc).
• Volkswagen Beetle: 1966 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1966 through 1974.
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1963 through 1971 (With Type 1 upright engine).
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973 through 1974.
• Volkswagen Squareback, Fastback, Notchback / Type 3: 1966 through 1973.
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Kit Cars utilizing a VW Type 1 engine case.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 4557-60
• Thickness: .060 Inches (1.52mm).
• Inside Diameter: Optimized for 85.5mm, 87mm, and 88mm cylinder barrels.
• Material: High-grade stamped steel for heat resistance and durability.
• Quantity: Set of 4 pieces (Complete for one engine).
• Application: Base of cylinder to engine case spacer.
• Function: Increases deck height and lowers compression ratio.

Pro Tips from the Appletree Garage

Tip 1: The Art of Measuring Deck Height

Before installing your shims, you must accurately measure your current deck height. We recommend using a depth micrometer or a dial indicator with a deck height bridge. Rotate the engine so the piston is at absolute Top Dead Center (TDC). Measure the distance from the piston crown to the top edge of the cylinder. If your measurement is below the recommended safety margin (typically .040" to .060" for street engines), adding these .060" shims will increase that gap. Always measure all four cylinders, as variations in the engine case or connecting rods can lead to slight differences between the left and right banks.

Tip 2: Calculating Your Compression Ratio

Adding a .060-inch shim does more than just move the cylinder; it changes the volume of the combustion chamber area. To ensure you aren''t losing too much power, use a compression ratio calculator. A .060" shim adds a significant amount of volume, which will lower your compression ratio. This is often necessary when running modern pump gas or if you are using high-compression "step-cut" cylinder heads. Always aim for a balance between performance and fuel stability to prevent detonation, especially in heavy vehicles like campers or buses where heat management is critical.

Tip 3: Ensuring a Perfect Seal

When installing these shims, cleanliness is paramount. Ensure the engine case "shirttail" area and the bottom of the cylinder flange are perfectly clean and free of old gasket material or burrs. While many builders install these dry, a very light coating of a high-quality sealant like Curil-T or Permatex Aviation Form-A-Gasket can help prevent nuisance oil leaks at the base of the cylinders. Ensure the shim sits perfectly flat against the case before sliding the cylinder home. If the shim is cocked or trapped on a stud thread, it will cause the cylinder to sit unevenly, leading to head gasket failure and potential engine damage.