Main Bearings, Standard Case, 020 Crank, Standard Thrust

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the heart of your air-cooled Volkswagen, there is no room for compromise on the components that support your rotating assembly. These EMPI Silverline main bearings are the professional choice for engine builders who demand precision and longevity. As a master specialist, I can tell you that the main bearings are the primary line of defense for your crankshaft, responsible for maintaining the critical oil film that prevents metal-to-metal contact. These steel-backed bearings are engineered to handle the unique heat cycles of the VW flat-four engine, providing superior embeddability for tiny particles and ensuring that your oil pressure remains rock-solid even under high-load conditions. Choosing Silverline means you are installing a product with a proven track record in the VW community for consistency and tight tolerances.

This specific bearing set is configured for a very particular engine state: a standard-sized engine case combined with a crankshaft that has been ground down by .020 inches (.50mm). This is a common scenario when you are reusing a high-quality original German engine case that is still within factory specifications but your crankshaft required a second-step grind to remove scoring or journals that were out of round. Because these are standard thrust bearings, they are designed for cases where the thrust face has not been machined. By utilizing these precision-manufactured bearings, you ensure that your reground crank spins with minimal friction, maximizing the life of your rebuild and protecting your investment from premature wear. Don''t settle for inferior white-metal bearings when you can have the durability of steel-backed Silverline quality.

FITMENT

These main bearings are designed for Type 1, 2, and 3 air-cooled Volkswagen engines with a standard case, .020 undersize crankshaft, and standard thrust surface. Common applications include:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1966-1977 (1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc)
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971-1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1966-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter (Type 2): 1963-1971 (1500cc and 1600cc)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1966-1973
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing 1300cc to 1600cc based upright engines.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI / Silverline
• Part Number: 111-198-465
• Case Diameter: Standard (Stock)
• Crankshaft Journal Diameter: .020 inches (.50mm) Undersize
• Thrust Surface Width: Standard (Stock)
• Construction: High-strength steel-backed alloy
• Material: Silverline premium bearing material for optimal heat dissipation
• Engine Compatibility: 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc Based Engines
• Manufacturing Location: Mexico

PRO TIPS

1. Always Verify with a Micrometer

Even though the box says .020, a master builder never takes it for granted. Before you even think about assembly, use a high-quality micrometer to measure your crankshaft journals and a dial bore gauge to check the bearings once they are seated in the case (using a dummy-torque method). You are looking for a specific oil clearance, typically between .0015 and .003 inches. If your clearances are off, you will either have low oil pressure or a seized engine. Don''t rely on the machine shop''s word alone; verify the math yourself to ensure your engine lasts another 100,000 miles.

2. The Dowel Pin Alignment is Critical

One of the most common mistakes I see in the shop is a crushed main bearing caused by improper dowel pin alignment. When you are laying the crankshaft into the case, you must ensure that the hole in the bearing perfectly aligns with the dowel pin in the engine block. If it is slightly off, the pin will put a dimple in the bearing when you torque the case halves together. This creates a high spot that will instantly score your crankshaft journals. Use a small amount of assembly lube to hold the bearing in place, and double-check the seating by hand before the final case closure.

3. Clean the Oil Galley Holes

Before installing your new Silverline bearings, you must meticulously clean the oil supply holes in the engine case. Use a pipe cleaner or a small brush with solvent to ensure there is no debris, old gasket sealer, or metal shavings hiding in the passages. Once the bearings are in, ensure the oil holes in the bearings perfectly line up with the oil galleys in the case. If the bearing is spun or the hole is partially blocked, that journal won''t receive the lubrication it needs, leading to catastrophic failure within minutes of the first start-up. Use a high-quality assembly lubenot just motor oilto provide initial protection during that first critical rotation.