Copper Cylinder Head Gaskets, Fits 94mm, .060 In Thick

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing the limits of your air-cooled Volkswagen engine, every thousandth of an inch matters. These EMPI copper cylinder head gaskets are engineered specifically for high-performance 94mm bore applications, providing a critical interface between the cylinder barrel and the cylinder head. In the world of performance engine building, achieving the perfect deck height and compression ratio is often the difference between a reliable powerhouse and a catastrophic failure. These .060-inch thick copper shims offer a superior sealing solution compared to standard steel or composite alternatives. Copper is the preferred material for professional builders because of its unique ability to conform to the minor irregularities in the mating surfaces under high torque, ensuring a leak-proof seal even under the extreme pressures of high-compression or turbocharged combustion chambers.

Precision is the hallmark of a master engine build, and these copper gaskets are the tool you need to dial in your engine''s specifications. Beyond just sealing, these shims allow you to precisely adjust your piston-to-head clearance, commonly known as deck height. By utilizing a .060-inch shim, you can effectively lower your compression ratio to accommodate lower octane fuels or to provide the necessary volume for forced induction setups without having to machine the heads or the engine case. Whether you are building a 1915cc street sleeper, a 2276cc drag racer, or a rugged off-road sand rail, these gaskets provide the thermal conductivity and durability required to keep your heads sealed tight. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that "good enough" isn''t in your vocabulary, which is why we supply these high-grade EMPI components to ensure your VW remains on the road or the dunes for years to come.

FITMENT

These gaskets are designed for Volkswagen air-cooled engines utilizing 94mm cylinders. This typically includes high-performance builds for the following models:

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle, Bug, and Super Beetle (1950-1979)
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, Kombi, and Westfalia (1950-1971 with Type 1 engine configurations)
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: (1955-1974)
• Volkswagen Thing: (1973-1974)
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Kit Cars utilizing VW Type 1 based engines with 94mm bore kits.

SPECS

• Material: High-grade annealed copper for maximum sealing and heat dissipation.
• Bore Size: 94mm (Designed for 1915cc, 2180cc, 2276cc, and 2332cc engines).
• Thickness: .060 inches (1.52mm).
• Quantity: Set of 4 pieces (Complete set for one engine).
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 4579-32.
• GTIN/UPC: 707924354140.
• Application: Head-to-cylinder sealing and deck height adjustment.

PRO TIPS

1. Always Measure Your Deck Height Twice

Before installing these .060-inch gaskets, you must accurately measure your "un-shimmed" deck height. Use a depth micrometer or a dial indicator to measure the distance from the top of the cylinder to the top of the piston at Top Dead Center (TDC). Adding a .060-inch gasket will increase your deck height by exactly that amount. For a high-performance street engine, most builders aim for a total deck height between .040 and .060 inches. If your pistons are currently "down the hole" by .010 inches, adding this gasket will bring your total deck to .070 inches, which may lower your compression more than desired. Always perform the math to ensure your final compression ratio matches your camshaft profile and fuel requirements.

2. Use Copper Spray for an Enhanced Seal

While copper gaskets are excellent at sealing on their own, I always recommend applying a very thin, even coat of a dedicated copper gasket spray (such as Permatex Copper Spray-A-Gasket) to both sides of the shim before installation. This spray acts as a secondary sealant that fills in microscopic surface scratches or machining marks on the cylinder head or the barrel. It also helps with heat transfer across the junction. Make sure the surfaces are completely clean and free of oil or fingerprints using brake cleaner or lacquer thinner before applying the spray. Install the gaskets while the spray is still "tacky" to ensure the best possible bond during the head torquing process.

3. Proper Torquing Sequence is Critical

When using copper head gaskets, following the correct Volkswagen torque sequence and increments is non-negotiable. Because copper is a malleable material, it relies on even pressure to "crush" slightly and form a seal. I recommend torquing the head nuts in three stages: first to 10 ft-lbs, then to 18 ft-lbs, and finally to the manufacturer''s recommended specification (usually 23-25 ft-lbs for 10mm studs or 18 ft-lbs for 8mm studs). After the engine has gone through its first full heat cycle and cooled down completely, it is a "pro-level" move to re-check the torque on the head nuts. This accounts for any initial "settling" of the copper material and ensures that you won''t suffer from head leeks or blown gaskets during high-load operation.