Adjustable Cam Gear Kit, for Aftermarket Cams, Fits Type 1

OVERVIEW

Precision is the difference between an engine that simply runs and one that dominates the street or the strip. When you are building a high-performance air-cooled engine, relying on factory timing marks is often a recipe for leaving horsepower on the table. The EMPI Adjustable Cam Gear Kit is engineered specifically for the serious engine builder who understands that manufacturing tolerances in aftermarket camshafts and crankshafts can lead to timing discrepancies. This kit allows you to "degree in" your camshaft with surgical precision, ensuring that your intake and exhaust valves open and close at the exact millisecond required for maximum volumetric efficiency. By utilizing this adjustable setup, you can compensate for variations in cam grinding or block deck height, ensuring your power band is exactly where you want it.

The beauty of this kit lies in its simplicity and robust design. Instead of the tedious process of pressing gears on and off to check timing, this bolt-on solution uses a system of specialized offset washers to provide 0, 2, or 4 degrees of adjustment. This allows you to advance your cam for more low-end grunt or retard it to extend your top-end pull, all without permanent modifications to the camshaft itself. Manufactured from high-strength materials to withstand the rigors of high-lift cams and heavy-duty valve springs, this kit is an essential upgrade for any Type 1 based performance build. Whether you are running a classic Engle 110 or a high-revving race cam, the EMPI 4070-10 kit provides the peace of mind that your valve train is synchronized perfectly with your rotating assembly.

FITMENT

This kit is designed for Volkswagen Type 1 based engines utilizing an aftermarket 3-bolt style "bolt-on" camshaft. It is compatible with the following models and years:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1954 through 1971 (1200cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc upright engines)
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973 through 1974
• Volkswagen Squareback, Fastback, Notchback / Type 3: 1962 through 1973
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes using VW Type 1 engine cases (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based builds)

SPECS

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 4070-10
• Material: Heavy-duty heat-treated steel alloy
• Adjustability Increments: 0, 2, and 4 degrees (Advance or Retard)
• Camshaft Compatibility: Fits 3-bolt aftermarket camshafts (Engle, Web-Cam, EMPI, etc.)
• Included Components: 1 Precision Ground Cam Gear, 3 High-Tensile Bolts, 3 Sets of Offset Washers
• Weight: 1.69 lbs
• Finish: Machined steel for precise mesh with the crank gear

PRO TIPS

1. Never Skip the Degree Wheel

It is a common mistake to assume that a "straight up" installation with the 0-degree washers is perfectly timed. Because of variations in the woodruff keyway on the crank and the bolt holes on the cam, "zero" on the gear might actually be 2 degrees retarded or advanced in reality. Always use a high-quality degree wheel and a dial indicator on the lifter or valve retainer to find True Top Dead Center (TDC) and verify your cam''s lobe center. This ensures you are starting from a known baseline before you begin making adjustments with the offset washers.

2. Secure Your Fasteners Correctly

The cam gear is under immense stress, especially if you are running dual valve springs or high-ratio rockers. When installing the three bolts provided in the kit, always use a drop of high-strength thread-locking compound (Blue or Red Loctite) on each bolt. Torque them to the manufacturer''s specifications in a cross-pattern. Before closing the case, rotate the engine by hand for several full revolutions to ensure there is no interference between the bolt heads and the oil pump housing, as some high-volume pumps require slight clearancing for bolt-on gear hardware.

3. Understanding Advance vs. Retard

Don''t just guess which washers to use; understand the impact on your power delivery. Advancing the camshaft (opening the valves earlier) generally shifts the power band lower, improving low-end torque and throttle response, which is great for heavy street cars or off-road buggies. Retarding the camshaft (opening the valves later) typically moves the power band higher into the RPM range, which can help a small-displacement engine breathe better at high speeds. Use this kit to fine-tune your engine to match your driving style or the specific requirements of your transmission gearing.