Long Block Engine, 1600cc Brand New

OVERVIEW

When it comes to breathes new life into your classic Volkswagen, nothing beats the peace of mind and precision of a brand-new power plant. The EMPI 1600cc Long Block Engine (Part Number 98-0480-B) represents the pinnacle of "crate motor" reliability for the air-cooled enthusiast. Gone are the days of scouring swap meets for a crack-free magnesium case or dealing with the headache of core charges and shipping your old, tired engine across the country. This long block is hand-assembled in Southern California by the experts at EMPI, under the watchful eye of VW racing legend Jack Sacchette. Every single component inside and out is brand newfrom the AutoLinea aluminum engine case to the Mahle pistonsensuring that you are starting your restoration or daily driver upgrade with a zero-mile foundation built to modern manufacturing tolerances.

This 1600cc dual-port configuration is the gold standard for Type 1 performance and reliability, offering a perfect balance of fuel economy and usable torque. The heart of this build is the AutoLinea aluminum case, which offers superior strength and heat dissipation compared to original magnesium alloys, making it much more resistant to the "warping" or "pounding out" of main bearing saddles common in older engines. Each engine features AutoLinea dual-port cylinder heads that have undergone a proprietary 3-angle valve job on state-of-the-art Rottler machines at EMPI''s Anaheim facility. This precision ensures a perfect seal and optimal airflow right out of the box. Whether you are powering a vintage Beetle, a sleek Karmann Ghia, or a rugged woods buggy, this EMPI long block delivers the "turn-key" confidence you need to get back on the road without the long lead times of custom engine builders.

FITMENT

This 1600cc Dual Port Long Block is designed for standard Type 1, 2, and 3 configurations. Please note that for Type 3 applications, some modifications to the cooling tin and oil filler may be required. It is a direct fit for the following:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1971-1977 (Sedan & Convertible)
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971-1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1971-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1971 (Only year for 1600cc Dual Port in Type 2)
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes using a Type 1 upright engine configuration.

SPECS

• Engine Case: Brand New AutoLinea Aluminum Case (Standard/Stock Specification)
• Crankshaft: Direct Drilled, 69mm Stroke
• Connecting Rods: OE Specification Forged Steel
• Camshaft: Stock Profile with Flat Gear (.334" Lift / 250 Duration)
• Lifters: Precision Ground and Heat Treated, 28mm
• Pistons & Cylinders: Mahle 85.5mm Diameter (Standard 1600cc)
• Cylinder Heads: AutoLinea Dual Port with 3-Angle Valve Job
• Valves: OSVAT O.E. Style (35.5mm Intake / 32mm Exhaust)
• Flywheel: Stock Style 200mm, 4-Dowel Pin
• Gland Nut: Heavy Duty Chromoly
• Oil Pump: Schadek 21mm High-Flow with Cover
• Main Bearings: Silverline Steel Center Standard Bearings
• Head Studs: 8mm Chromoly with High-Torque Nuts
• Pushrods: Fully Assembled High-Performance (1.45mm / .057" Wall Thickness)
• Rocker Arms: High Performance Stock 1.1:1 Ratio
• Valve Covers: Stock Steel Style, Finished in Black
• Gaskets: Premium Elring Engine Gasket Set
• Warranty: 12-Month or 12,000-Mile Limited Warranty

PRO TIPS

Proper Break-In is Critical: To ensure the longevity of your new engine, you must use a high-quality conventional oil (non-synthetic) with a high ZDDP (Zinc) content during the initial break-in period. We recommend a specialized break-in oil for the first 20-30 minutes of runtime at varying RPMs (2000-3000 RPM) to properly seat the flat-tappet camshaft and lifters. Do not let the engine idle during the initial startup, as this can lead to premature cam failure. Change the oil and clean the screen after the first 50, 500, and 1,000 miles to remove any assembly lubricants or seating particulates.

Inspect Your Cooling Tin and Thermostat: Never install a brand-new long block into a vehicle with greasy, bent, or missing cooling tin. Overheating is the number one killer of air-cooled engines. Ensure all "Hoover" bits and industrial seals are in place around the engine bay. We also strongly recommend testing or replacing your thermostat and flaps. If the engine cannot control its operating temperature, even the best components will fail. Always verify that your fan shroud is free of debris (like old mouse nests) before bolting it onto your new motor.

Fuel and Ignition Synchronization: This long block is built to stock 1600cc specifications, but its performance depends entirely on your peripherals. When installing your carburetor (like a Solex 34-PICT-3 or Dual Webers), ensure it is professionally cleaned and jetted for your altitude. Pair this with a properly curved distributorif you are using a vacuum advance unit, ensure the vacuum ports are correct. Improper timing or a lean fuel mixture can cause excessive head temperatures, which can lead to dropped valve seats or burnt pistons, neither of which are covered under standard mechanical warranties due to external tuning issues.