Crankshaft, 76mm, Forged Chromoly, 8 Dowel, Chevy Journals

OVERVIEW

When it comes to building a high-performance air-cooled engine, the crankshaft is the heartbeat of your machine. This EMPI 76mm Forged Chromoly Crankshaft is engineered specifically for the enthusiast who demands more than what a stock-stroke cast crank can deliver. Forged from 4340 chromoly steel, this unit is built to withstand the extreme torsional stresses of high-RPM racing and high-torque street applications. The counterweighted design is a game-changer for longevity; by balancing the rotational mass of the engine, it significantly reduces internal vibration, prevents main bearing "pounding," and allows your flat-four to rev higher and smoother than ever before. Whether you are building a weekend warrior or a dedicated drag car, this crankshaft provides the rock-solid foundation necessary for a reliable stroker engine.

What sets this particular 76mm crankshaft apart is the integration of Chevy journals and an 8-dowel flywheel interface. By utilizing the 2.000-inch Chevy journal size, builders can take advantage of a wider variety of high-performance connecting rods while benefiting from increased clearance inside the engine case. Each crank undergoes a rigorous manufacturing process, including being Magnafluxed to ensure no structural flaws exist, shot-peened for surface strength, and nitrided for superior journal hardness. The oiling system is equally impressive, featuring cross-drilled and chamfered oil holes that provide a constant, high-pressure film of oil to the bearings under load. This isn''t just a part; it''s a precision-machined component designed to push your Volkswagen''s performance boundaries while maintaining the durability Appletree Auto customers expect.

FITMENT

This crankshaft is designed for Type 1 based engines. Please note that stroker crankshafts require specialized engine building knowledge and internal case clearancing.

• Volkswagen Beetle: All years utilizing a Type 1 engine case.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years.
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1950-1971 (Type 1 upright engine configurations).
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All years.
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Trikes using VW Type 1 based engines.
• Requirement Note: Must be used with Chevy journal (2.000") connecting rods.
• Requirement Note: Requires an 8-dowel high-performance flywheel.

SPECS

Every dimension of this EMPI stroker crank is optimized for racing tolerances and maximum oil flow.

• Stroke: 76mm (Stroker).
• Material: 4340 Forged Chromoly Steel.
• Rod Journal Type: Chevy (2.000" / 50.8mm).
• Main Journal Type: Standard VW (Type 1).
• Flywheel Attachment: 8-Dowel pattern with extra-long pins.
• Oil Holes: Cross-drilled and chamfered for superior lubrication.
• Surface Treatment: Nitrided journals for extreme wear resistance.
• Finish: Micro-polished journals and shot-peened finish.
• Balancing: Dynamically balanced from the factory.
• Testing: Magnafluxed to ensure structural integrity.

PRO TIPS

1. Case Clearancing is Mandatory

Installing a 76mm stroker crank is not a "drop-in" procedure for a stock VW engine case. Because the "throw" of the crank is longer than the factory 69mm unit, the connecting rods will likely make contact with the internal webbing of the engine case and the camshaft lobes. You must carefully mock up the bottom end and use a grinding tool to clearance the case until you have at least 0.040" to 0.060" of clearance between all moving parts. Always clean the case thoroughly after grinding to ensure no metal shavings remain in the oil galleries.

2. Verify Your Rod Selection

It is critical to remember that this crankshaft uses Chevy journals (2.000"), not the standard VW journals (2.165"). When ordering your connecting rods, you must specify the Chevy journal size. This smaller journal size is preferred by high-performance builders because it allows for a smaller rod big-end, which provides more internal clearance in the case and allows for a lighter rotating assembly. Ensure you are using high-quality rod bearings designed for the Chevy journal size to match.

3. Complete Assembly Balancing

While this EMPI crankshaft comes dynamically balanced from the factory, the "Golden Rule" of performance engine building is to balance the entire rotating assembly together. For the best results and the smoothest engine possible, we highly recommend taking your new crankshaft, 8-dowel flywheel, pressure plate, and front pulley to a professional machine shop to be balanced as a single unit. This extra step virtually eliminates harmonic vibrations that can lead to premature bearing failure or crank snapping at high RPMs.