EMPI GT-6 Camshaft, Medium Dislacement, High Range Power

Overview

The EMPI GT-6 Camshaft represents a significant leap forward in air-cooled performance technology, specifically engineered for the enthusiast who demands high-range power without sacrificing the structural integrity of their engine build. Produced from premium chilled cast iron billets, this camshaft is designed to withstand the rigorous demands of high-performance driving while providing a profile that excels in medium displacement engines. Whether you are building a spirited 1776cc or a high-revving 1914cc, the GT-6 provides a Super Torquer profile that wakes up your top-end performance, making it an ideal choice for off-road closed course racing or aggressive street applications where mid-to-high RPM breathing is essential. By focusing on a refined lobe design, EMPI has created a cam that offers a crisp throttle response and a power band that pulls hard through the upper registers, ensuring your VW isn''t just fast on paper, but dominant on the track.

What sets the GT Series apart is EMPI''s commitment to modern manufacturing standards, including a specialized Parkerized finish that ensures a trouble-free break-in period by retaining critical lubrication during those first vital minutes of operation. Every GT-6 camshaft comes stroker-clearanced from the factory, meaning you won''t have to worry about internal interference issues when running long-stroke crankshaftsa common headache for many engine builders working with performance grinds. To ensure a complete and professional installation, EMPI includes high-quality Grade 8 hardware and specialized assembly lube, providing the necessary components to seat the cam correctly from the start. When paired with the recommended EMPI lifters, this camshaft delivers a smooth yet aggressive power delivery that transforms the character of your flat-four engine, providing the reliability and performance that Appletree Auto customers have come to expect.

Fitment

This camshaft is designed for Type 1 based air-cooled engines using a 3-bolt style cam gear. It is compatible with the following models and engine configurations:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1971 (Type 2)
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1962 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Engine Displacement: Optimized for 1776cc, 1835cc, and 1914cc builds
• Crankshaft Compatibility: Stroker clearanced for 74mm, 78mm, 82mm, and larger strokes

Technical Specifications

• Camshaft Series: EMPI GT Series (GT-6)
• Material: New Chilled Cast Iron Billet
• Surface Treatment: Parkerized for enhanced oil retention and break-in
• Intake/Exhaust Duration: 277 Degrees
• Cam Lift: .430 Inches
• Valve Lift (at 1.1:1 Rocker Ratio): .473 Inches
• Clearance: Factory Stroker Clearanced for high-performance builds
• Included Hardware: Grade 8 Bolts and Assembly Lubricant
• Recommended Lifters: EMPI Part Number 21-4300-0 (Required for warranty and performance)
• Power Category: Medium Displacement / High Range Power

Pro Tips from the Appletree Specialist

1. The Critical 20-Minute Break-In Procedure

The first 20 minutes of your engine''s life are the most critical for the EMPI GT-6 camshaft. You must never let the engine idle during the initial startup. Instead, maintain a varying RPM between 2,000 and 2,500 for the full 20-minute duration. This ensures that the cam lobes receive plenty of "splash" lubrication from the crankshaft, allowing the Parkerized coating and the lifters to mate perfectly. Before you even turn the key, make sure you are using a high-zinc (ZDDP) break-in oil. Modern oils lack the sacrificial wear additives required for flat-tappet camshafts, and failing to use the correct oil will lead to a flattened lobe almost instantly. Don''t skip this step or you''ll be pulling the engine back apart before the weekend is over.

2. Matching Your Valve Train Geometry

Because the GT-6 offers a healthy .473 valve lift with standard 1.1:1 rockers, your valve train geometry becomes paramount. When installing this cam, you should always check your rocker arm geometry to ensure the adjusting screw is centered on the valve stem at half-lift. This often requires the use of bolt-on rocker shafts and custom-length chromoly pushrods. If the geometry is off, you will experience premature valve guide wear and potentially drop a valve at high RPM. Additionally, because this is a high-range power cam, we strongly recommend using dual valve springs to prevent valve float when you are pushing the engine toward that 6,000+ RPM redline where this cam really begins to shine.

3. Don''t Reuse Old Lifters

It is a golden rule in the air-cooled VW world: never, ever put old lifters on a new camshaft. The lifters and the cam lobes develop a unique wear pattern (a "mate") during the break-in process. If you use used lifters, they will have an existing wear pattern that will act like a lathe against the new lobes of your GT-6, destroying it within miles. For the best results and to maintain the integrity of the chilled cast iron, always use new EMPI lifters (Part # 21-4300-0). Ensure you apply a generous amount of the