Rod Bearing, .030 Under, forType 1 VW, Mahle Clevite

OVERVIEW

When you are deep into a total engine overhaul for your air-cooled Volkswagen, the precision of your bottom end components determines the longevity and reliability of the entire build. These EMPI rod bearings are specifically engineered for crankshafts that have undergone a significant .030-inch (0.75mm) grind to remove scoring, heat damage, or structural irregularities. As a master builder knows, the connecting rod bearings are the highest-stress wear points in the Type 1 engine, subjected to immense combustion pressures and high rotational speeds. This set provides the exact tolerances required to restore factory-spec oil clearance on a "turned" crank, ensuring that your oil film remains consistent and your oil pressure stays high even under the demanding heat cycles of a flat-four engine.

Choosing EMPI means you are installing a legacy of air-cooled performance into your case. These bearings are manufactured using high-quality materials designed to withstand the unique harmonics and cooling challenges of the VW engine design. Whether you are reviving a classic Beetle for daily commuting or prepping a rugged woods buggy for off-road abuse, these .030 undersize bearings offer the perfect fit for a crankshaft that still has plenty of life left but needs a fresh surface. Don''t settle for "close enough" when it comes to your rotating assembly; use a complete set that is designed to provide a seamless interface between your rods and the crank journals, preventing premature wear and protecting your investment for thousands of miles to come.

FITMENT

This rod bearing set is designed for Type 1 based engines with a crankshaft ground .030 inches under stock size. Fits the following models and years:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1955 through 1971 (With Type 1 style upright engines)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1973
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Trikes utilizing 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, or 1600cc based Type 1 engine cases.

SPECS

• Bearing Size: .030 Inches (0.75mm) Undersize
• Engine Application: VW Type 1, 2, and 3
• Quantity: Complete set for four connecting rods (8 halves total)
• Material: High-strength steel-backed alloy for maximum durability
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 113-105-719BR
• Compatibility: Designed for stock-style connecting rods
• Finish: Precision-machined for optimal oil retention and flow

PRO TIPS

1. Triple-Check Your Crankshaft Journals

Before you even open the package, you must verify your crankshaft''s journal diameter with a high-quality micrometer. A common mistake in the VW world is assuming a crank is ground to a specific size based on a previous builder''s notes or a visual inspection. Measure all four journals; if your machine shop ground the crank to .030 under, the journals should measure exactly 1.9382 inches (49.23mm). If your measurements are off by even a thousandth, your oil clearance will be incorrect, leading to either a "tight" motor that seizes or a "loose" motor with knocking sounds and zero oil pressure. Always measure twice to ensure you are installing the correct bearing for your specific grind.

2. Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

When installing new rod bearings, the environment must be clinical. Even a single speck of dust or a tiny metal shaving trapped behind the bearing shell can create a "high spot," which will lead to localized friction and immediate bearing failure upon startup. Before snapping these bearings into your rods, clean the rod bores and the crankshaft journals with a lint-free cloth and brake cleaner. Make sure the "tang" or locating tab on the bearing is perfectly seated in the rod''s notch. If the bearing isn''t seated flat against the rod, it won''t dissipate heat correctly, and you''ll be pulling the engine back apart before the break-in period is even over.

3. Use Proper Assembly Lubricant

Never, ever install rod bearings "dry" or with just standard motor oil if the engine is going to sit for any amount of time before its first fire-up. Standard motor oil will drain off the surfaces, leaving them unprotected during those critical first few seconds of rotation before the oil pump primes the system. Use a dedicated high-pressure assembly lube (like Red Line or Lucas) on the bearing faces. This tacky lubricant stays in place and provides a protective barrier against metal-on-metal contact. Once the rods are torqued to spec (typically 24 ft-lbs for stock 8mm bolts), rotate the assembly by hand; it should move smoothly without any binding or "crunchy" sensations.