Rod Bearing, Standard Size, For Chevy Journal Premium

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing the limits of air-cooled performance, the transition to a Chevy journal crankshaft is a legendary move for a reason. These EMPI Premium Rod Bearings are specifically engineered for high-performance Volkswagen builds that utilize a 2.000-inch Chevy rod journal. By moving away from the larger stock VW journal, engine builders can achieve a much greater stroke while maintaining critical clearances inside the engine case. These bearings are the bridge between classic German engineering and American hot-rod performance, providing the high-load capacity and precision fitment required for stroker engines that live at high RPMs. Whether you are building a high-compression street car or a dedicated sand rail, these premium-grade bearings ensure that your rotating assembly is supported by the highest quality materials available.

Don''t let your high-dollar engine build be undermined by inferior components. These standard-size Chevy journal bearings are manufactured to exacting tolerances, featuring a multi-layer construction that offers superior embeddability and fatigue resistance. This means they can handle the increased cylinder pressures and inertial loads associated with performance camshafts and heavy-duty valve trains. The premium finish on these bearings reduces friction and heat buildup, which is the ultimate enemy of the air-cooled flat-four. When you choose these EMPI bearings from Appletree Auto, you are investing in the longevity of your crankshaft and connecting rods, ensuring that your oil film remains consistent and your clearances stay within the "sweet spot" for maximum horsepower and reliability.

FITMENT

These bearings are designed for use in VW Air-cooled Type 1, 2, and 3 based engines that have been modified with a Chevy-journal crankshaft. This includes:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954-1979 (With aftermarket Chevy-journal stroker crank)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974 (With aftermarket Chevy-journal stroker crank)
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1955-1971 (With aftermarket Chevy-journal stroker crank)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961-1973
• Custom Applications: Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Trikes utilizing Type 1 based engine cases and Chevy-journal rods.
• Note: These will NOT fit stock VW crankshafts. They are specifically for 2.000-inch Chevy journals.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI Premium Series
• Part Number: 00-8301-0
• Journal Type: Chevy Journal (2.000")
• Bearing Size: Standard
• Material: High-Performance Tri-Metal Alloy
• Application: VW Rods machined for Chevy Journals or Aftermarket Chevy-Journal Rods
• Quantity: Complete set for four (4) connecting rods
• Compatibility: Compatible with all common high-performance engine oils and assembly lubes

PRO TIPS

1. Verify Journal Sizes Before Assembly

Even though these are "Standard" size bearings, you must never assume your crankshaft is perfectly standard without measuring. Use a high-quality micrometer to check your crank journals at multiple points to ensure they are exactly 2.000 inches. If your crank has been turned .010 or .020 under, these bearings will not work. Always use Plastigage during the mock-up phase to verify your oil clearance. For a high-performance air-cooled engine, we typically look for a clearance between .002 and .003 inches to allow for proper oil flow and cooling under load.

2. Absolute Cleanliness is Mandatory

The number one cause of premature bearing failure in a fresh VW build is "builder debris." Before installing these bearings, ensure your hands, the connecting rods, and the crankshaft journals are surgically clean. Use a lint-free cloth and brake cleaner to wipe the back of the bearing shells and the rod bores. Any speck of dust trapped behind the bearing shell can create a high spot on the bearing surface, leading to localized heat and eventual "spun" bearings. Once the shells are snapped into place, do not touch the inner bearing surface with your bare fingers, as the oils from your skin can cause corrosion or impede the initial bond with the assembly lube.

3. Use High-ZDP Assembly Lubricant

When you are ready for final assembly, use a dedicated high-pressure assembly lubricant rather than standard motor oil. Air-cooled engines often sit for a period before their first start-up, and you want a lubricant that won''t run off the bearing surfaces. Apply a generous, even coat to the bearing face, but keep the back of the bearing shell dry to ensure it "seats" properly in the rod. This initial lubrication is critical for the first few seconds of engine life before the oil pump has fully primed the galleries and delivered pressurized oil to the rod journals. Proper lubrication here prevents the metal-to-metal contact that ruins an engine before it even leaves the stand.