Long Block Engine, 1776cc Brand New

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the perfect balance of daily-driver reliability and spirited performance, the 1776cc displacement is widely considered the ''''sweet spot'''' of the air-cooled Volkswagen world. This brand new EMPI Long Block engine is not just another off-the-shelf assembly; it is a precision-engineered powerhouse hand-assembled in Southern California by the legendary Jack Sacchette. By utilizing a 90.5mm bore combined with a 69mm stroke, this engine provides a significant bump in torque and horsepower over a stock 1600cc, without sacrificing the cooling surface area of the cylinders. This makes it an ideal choice for heavier vehicles like the Westfalia Campers or for Beetle owners who want that extra grunt to merge into modern traffic with confidence. Every component is brand new, meaning you can finally say goodbye to the headache of scouring swap meets for usable cores or dealing with the structural fatigue of 50-year-old magnesium cases. This engine arrives ready to serve as the heart of your restoration, backed by a 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty for ultimate peace of mind.

The foundation of this 1776cc long block is the AutoLinea-EMPI Heavy Duty ''''Bubble Top'''' aluminum engine case, which offers superior strength and oiling capabilities compared to original factory castings. Inside, you''ll find a balanced rotating assembly featuring a direct-drilled 69mm crankshaft and high-performance Manton chromoly pushrods. The top end is just as impressive, featuring EMPI High Performance Dual Port cylinder heads that have undergone a proprietary 3-angle valve job on a precision Rottler machine at EMPI''s Anaheim facility. These heads are equipped with stainless steel valves, chromoly retainers, and single hi-rev valve springs to ensure the valvetrain stays stable even at higher RPMs. Whether you are building a weekend cruiser, a rugged off-road Baja Bug, or a reliable daily commuter, this long block eliminates the lead times and uncertainty of custom builds, delivering race-pedigree engineering directly to your garage door.

FITMENT

This 1776cc Long Block is designed for Type 1, 2, and 3 applications. Please note that specific external tinware, intake manifolds, and exhaust systems may be required to match your specific vehicle chassis.

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1971 (Early Bay Window and Split Window)
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1961 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Kit Cars (Meyers Manx, etc.)

SPECS

• Part Number: 98-0482-B
• Displacement: 1776cc
• Engine Case: New AutoLinea-EMPI, H.D. Aluminum Bubble Top
• Bore & Stroke: 90.5mm Bore x 69mm Stroke
• Crankshaft: Direct Drilled, 69mm Stroke
• Connecting Rods: OE Specification
• Camshaft: Stock Cam with Flat Gear (.334 Lift / 250 Duration)
• Lifters: Precision Ground and Heat Treated, 28mm
• Flywheel: Stock Style, 4 Dowel Pin, 200mm
• Gland Nut: Heavy Duty Chromoly
• Main Bearings: Standard, Steel Center
• Rod Bearings: Standard
• Cam Bearings: Standard Thrust
• Oil Pump: Schadek 21mm with Cover
• Head Studs: 8mm Chromoly with Nuts
• Pistons & Cylinders: AA Performance 90.5mm Bore
• Cylinder Heads: EMPI High Performance Dual Port, 90.5/92mm Bore
• Valves: 35.5mm Intake x 32mm Exhaust (Stainless Steel)
• Valve Springs: Single Hi-Rev Springs
• Retainers: Chromoly
• Pushrods: Manton 11.500 OAL x 3/8 Diameter x .035 Wall Thickness
• Rocker Arms: High Performance Stock 1.1:1 Ratio
• Valve Covers: Stock Steel Style, Black Finish
• Gaskets: Elring Engine Gasket Set

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Break-In Procedure is Critical

To ensure the longevity of your new 1776cc engine, you must follow a strict break-in protocol. We highly recommend using a high-quality conventional oil with a high ZDDP (zinc) content for the first 20 minutes of operation. Start the engine and immediately bring it to a steady 2,000 to 2,500 RPMnever let a new engine idle during its first 20 minutes, as the camshaft and lifters rely on the oil splash generated at higher speeds for lubrication. After the initial 20-minute run, drain the oil, clean the strainer, and check the valve lash before your first road test. Change the oil again after the first 500 miles to remove any assembly contaminants.

2. Optimize Your Cooling and Airflow

While the 1776cc is a robust engine, it generates more heat than a stock 1600cc. To keep head temperatures in check, ensure that all of your engine tinware is present and properly seated. Any gaps in the engine bay perimeter seal will allow hot exhaust air to be sucked back into the cooling fan, which can lead to overheating and dropped valve seats. If you are running this engine in a Bus or a heavy camper, consider adding an external oil cooler with a thermostatically controlled fan to help manage oil temperatures during long highway climbs.

3. Don''t Choke Your Performance with Small Carbs

While this engine can run on a single 34-PICT-3 carburetor, you won''t be realizing the full potential of the EMPI High Performance heads and the 1776cc displacement. To truly wake up this engine,