Crankshaft, 82mm, Forged Chromoly, 8 Dowel, Chevy Journals

High-Performance Engineering for the Ultimate Air-Cooled Build

When you are looking to push your air-cooled Volkswagen to its absolute limits, the crankshaft is the single most critical component in your rotating assembly. This EMPI 82mm forged 4340 chromoly crankshaft is engineered specifically for the serious racer and high-performance enthusiast who demands uncompromised strength and precision. Moving to an 82mm stroke dramatically increases your engine''s displacement, providing the torque and horsepower necessary for track-ready performance or aggressive street driving. Unlike cast alternatives, this forged 4340 chromoly unit offers superior fatigue resistance and the structural integrity required to handle high-RPM stress and increased compression ratios. It is the definitive foundation for anyone building a "stroker" engine designed to outperform the competition.

Every detail of this EMPI crankshaft has been meticulously refined to ensure longevity and peak efficiency. The counterweighted design reduces internal harmonics and vibration, which is essential for protecting your engine bearings and case at high speeds. The journals are micro-polished and nitrided for an incredibly hard surface finish that resists wear, while the cross-drilled and chamfered oil holes ensure that your rod bearings receive a constant, high-pressure supply of lubrication. By utilizing Chevy journals, this crank allows for more clearance inside the engine case compared to traditional VW journals, making the assembly of a long-stroke engine significantly easier and more reliable. This is not just a replacement part; it is a professional-grade racing component designed to be the heart of a powerhouse VW engine.

Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility

This 82mm stroker crankshaft is designed for Type 1 based engines. Please note that installing a stroker crankshaft requires professional engine building knowledge and modifications to the engine case and internal components.

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle and Bug (1954-1977)
• Volkswagen Type 1: Super Beetle (1971-1979)
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, Kombi (1954-1971)
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, Notchback (1961-1973)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: (1955-1974)
• Volkswagen Thing: (1973-1974)
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Trikes using VW Type 1 cases.

Technical Specifications and Features

• Material: Forged 4340 Chromoly Steel for maximum tensile strength.
• Stroke: 82mm (Stroker design for increased displacement).
• Journal Type: Chevy Journals (2.000 inch) for improved clearance and rod options.
• Flywheel Mount: 8-Dowel configuration with extra-long pins for secure attachment.
• Manufacturing Process: Magnafluxed and Shot-peened to eliminate surface stresses.
• Journal Finish: Nitrided and Micro-polished for reduced friction and high durability.
• Oil System: Cross-drilled and chamfered oil holes for superior rod bearing lubrication.
• Balancing: Dynamically balanced at the factory to ensure smooth operation.
• Counterweights: Integrated counterweights to minimize crankshaft flex and vibration.

Pro Tips from the Appletree Specialist Team

1. Case Clearancing is Mandatory

When jumping up to an 82mm stroke, you must perform "clearancing" on your engine case. The increased throw of the crankshaft means the connecting rods will likely make contact with the internal casting of a stock VW case. We highly recommend using a dedicated stroker case or using a die grinder with a carbide burr to carefully remove material around the camshaft tunnel and the bottom of the cylinders. Always mock up the rotating assembly with the rods installed (but without rings) to check for a minimum of 0.040" to 0.060" clearance at all points of rotation. Don''t rush this step, as internal contact will lead to catastrophic engine failure.

2. Selecting the Right Connecting Rods

This crankshaft features Chevy journals (2.000"), which is a common upgrade in the VW world. It is vital that you purchase connecting rods specifically designed for Chevy journals, as standard VW journal rods will not fit. Using Chevy journals is a strategic choice for high-performance builds because the smaller diameter of the journal provides more clearance against the camshaft. Pair this crank with high-quality H-beam or I-beam rods that feature ARP bolts to ensure your bottom end can handle the increased leverage and speed of the 82mm stroke.

3. Total Rotating Assembly Balancing

While this EMPI crankshaft comes dynamically balanced from the factory, a true professional build requires balancing the entire rotating assembly as a single unit. This means you should take your new crankshaft, flywheel, pressure plate, and front pulley to a machine shop to have them balanced together. Since you are moving to an 8-dowel system, ensure your flywheel is also drilled for 8 dowels. Balancing the entire assembly together minimizes harmonic vibrations that can "pound out" your main bearings, ensuring that your high-performance engine lasts for years of hard use rather than just a few weekend passes.