Metric Stud, 8mm Thread, 50mm Long, for Aircooled VW, Each

Overview

When you''re deep into a rebuild or performing routine maintenance on your air-cooled powerplant, the importance of high-quality hardware cannot be overstated. This EMPI Metric Stud, featuring an 8mm thread and a total length of 50mm, is an essential component for ensuring the structural integrity of your engine''s critical systems. Air-cooled Volkswagen engines are notorious for extreme heat cycles, which cause standard hardware to become brittle, corrode, and eventually snap during removal or under high-stress operation. These double-sided studs are designed with a non-threaded shoulder in the center to provide a positive stop and consistent depth, making them the ideal replacement for fatigued factory hardware in intake manifolds, exhaust systems, and even specialized oil pump or fuel pump configurations. Whether you are sealing up a fresh set of dual carburetors or mounting a high-performance header, having a reliable, fresh set of studs ensures that you achieve the proper clamping force without the risk of stripping threads or suffering from annoying vacuum and exhaust leaks.

Precision is everything when it comes to the magnesium and aluminum cases used in the VW Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 platforms. Using a 50mm length stud provides that extra reach often required when installing thicker aftermarket flanges, heat risers, or custom spacers that standard 38mm or 45mm studs simply won''t accommodate. These studs are manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, ensuring a perfect M8 x 1.25 thread pitch that mates seamlessly with your cylinder heads or engine case. By replacing your old, rounded, or rusted hardware with these high-strength metric studs, you are investing in the longevity of your Beetle, Karmann Ghia, or Bus. Don''t let a dollar-item be the reason your weekend cruise is cut short by a blown exhaust gasket or a loose fuel pump; upgrade to these robust 50mm metric studs and experience the peace of mind that comes with professional-grade assembly hardware from Appletree Automotive.

Fitment

This 8mm x 50mm metric stud is a universal fitment for nearly all air-cooled Volkswagen applications. While commonly used in specific intake and exhaust configurations, it is compatible with the following models and years:

• Volkswagen Beetle (Standard & Super): 1950 - 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 - 1974
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter / Kombi: 1950 - 1971 (1200cc, 1500cc, & 1600cc)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961 - 1973
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 - 1975
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing VW-based Type 1 or Type 3 engines.

Technical Specifications

• Thread Diameter: 8mm (M8)
• Thread Pitch: 1.25 (Standard Coarse)
• Total Length: 50mm
• Design: Double-ended threaded stud with a smooth center shank/shoulder
• Material: High-tensile steel construction for heat resistance and durability
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant coating to prevent seizing in aluminum or magnesium components
• Application: Suitable for intake manifolds, exhaust flanges, fuel pumps, and oil pumps
• Quantity: Sold individually (Each)

Pro Tips from the Appletree Garage

1. The Double-Nut Installation Method

To install these studs correctly without damaging the threads, never use pliers or vice grips on the threaded portion. Instead, thread two 8mm nuts onto one end of the stud and tighten them against each other (jamming them). You can then use a wrench on the outer nut to drive the stud into the engine block or cylinder head. Once the stud is seated to the shoulder, simply loosen the two nuts from each other and remove them. This ensures the threads remain pristine for your final assembly and prevents the structural weakening of the stud shank.

2. Always Use High-Temp Anti-Seize

Because these studs are frequently used in high-heat areas like the exhaust ports of VW cylinder heads, they are prone to galvanic corrosion where the steel stud meets the aluminum head. Before threading the stud into the head, apply a small amount of copper or nickel-based anti-seize to the end going into the casting. This small step will save you hours of frustration down the road, as it prevents the stud from becoming ''''welded'''' into the head, allowing for much easier removal if you ever need to replace a heater box or manifold again.

3. Clean the Internal Threads First

Before installing a new 50mm stud, especially in an older engine case or used cylinder head, always run an M8 x 1.25 thread chaser or tap into the hole. Over years of service, carbon buildup, old Loctite, and oxidation can fill the threads, leading to false torque readings or even causing the stud to bind and snap during installation. A clean thread path ensures that the new stud sits at the correct depth and provides maximum holding power, which is vital for preventing vacuum leaks on your intake or exhaust gaskets.