Cam Plug, Billet Aluminum with O-Ring, for Type 1 VW

OVERVIEW

When you are building a high-performance air-cooled engine, the last thing you want to deal with after a fresh install is a nagging oil leak from the rear of the case. The standard stamped steel cam plugs have been the industry norm for decades, but they often fail to provide a perfect seal, especially as engine cases heat up and expand at different rates than the steel plug. This EMPI Billet Aluminum Cam Plug is the definitive solution for the serious engine builder who demands a leak-free environment. Precision-machined from high-grade billet aluminum, this plug features a dedicated O-ring groove that creates a positive, mechanical seal against the engine case halves. Unlike the old-school "freeze-plug" style that relies on tension and sealant, this billet version utilizes the compression of the rubber O-ring to ensure that oil stays inside your engine where it belongs, even under high crankcase pressures.

The beauty of this billet aluminum cam plug lies in its durability and reusability. While traditional metal plugs are often mangled during removal or lose their tension over time, this machined piece is built to last the lifetime of your engine. It is specifically designed for engine cases that feature the machined groove in the cam plug bore, providing a lock-in fit that won''t migrate or "pop out" during extreme operating conditions. Whether you are running a mild 1600cc street engine or a high-revving 2332cc stroker for your sand rail, this component provides the professional finishing touch that separates a standard build from a master-level assembly. Don''t settle for messy RTV silicone and hope for the best; upgrade to a component that was engineered to solve the problem permanently.

FITMENT

• VW Type 1: Beetle, Karmann Ghia, and Thing (1961 and later with grooved cases).
• VW Type 2: Bus, Transporter, and Kombi (1961-1971 Type 1 style engines).
• VW Type 3: Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback (1961-1973).
• VW Type 4: 411, 412, and 1700cc/1800cc/2000cc Bus engines (1972-1979).
• Custom Applications: Fits all aftermarket VW magnesium and aluminum engine cases with a grooved cam plug bore (AS41, AS21, Aluminum Bubble Top).

SPECS

• Material: CNC Machined T6 Billet Aluminum.
• Seal Type: High-Temperature Nitrile O-Ring included.
• Finish: Precision Machined Natural Aluminum.
• Design: Double-stepped shoulder for positive case engagement.
• Compatibility: Designed for "Grooved" style cam plug bores only.
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 4001-70.
• Weight: Approximately 0.1 lbs.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Lubricate the O-Ring Before Installation. Never install this cam plug dry. Before you set the plug into the case half during assembly, apply a light coating of clean engine oil or a specialized O-ring lubricant to the rubber seal. This prevents the O-ring from "bunching up" or tearing as the case halves are brought together and torqued down. A lubricated O-ring will seat itself perfectly into the machined groove, ensuring a 100% airtight and oil-tight seal from the very first startup.

Tip 2: Verify Your Case Type. It is critical to ensure your engine case is the "grooved" style before attempting to use this billet plug. Older "flat-bore" cases from the 36hp and early 40hp era do not have the internal channel required to lock this plug in place. When inspecting your case halves, look for the distinct recessed channel in the cam plug area. If your case is smooth in that area, you must use the traditional stamped steel plug. Forcing a billet plug into a non-grooved case can prevent the case halves from sealing correctly, leading to massive oil leaks and potential bearing misalignment.

Tip 3: Check for Case Burrs. Before final assembly, run your finger along the machined groove in the engine case where the cam plug sits. Occasionally, during the machining process or from previous rebuilds, small burrs or sharp edges can develop. If you find any, use a bit of 400-grit sandpaper or a Scotch-Brite pad to lightly smooth the edges. A smooth mating surface ensures that the aluminum shoulders of the plug sit perfectly flush, which is essential for maintaining the proper thrust clearance for your camshaft and ensuring the case halves mate perfectly without any gaps.