Degree Crank Pulley, Black Numbers, Solid, Standard Diameter

OVERVIEW

Precision timing is the heartbeat of any high-performance air-cooled engine, and the EMPI Solid Billet Degree Crank Pulley is designed to provide the accuracy you need with the show-quality finish you crave. Unlike the original stamped steel pulleys that often feature vague notches or have become distorted over decades of use, this solid billet aluminum pulley offers a perfectly true rotation and permanent, easy-to-read degree markings. Whether you are dialing in a high-lift camshaft or simply ensuring your daily driver is running at peak efficiency, the black laser-etched numbers against the polished aluminum surface allow for instantaneous timing checks with a strobe light, even in bright daylight. By providing a full 360 degrees of markings, this pulley eliminates the guesswork associated with finding after-top-dead-center or advanced timing positions, making it an essential upgrade for any serious VW enthusiast.

Beyond its functional advantages, this pulley is a centerpiece for any engine bay restoration or custom build. Being a "Solid" style pulley, it lacks the traditional holes or spokes, offering a smooth, monolithic aesthetic that reflects light beautifully and is significantly easier to keep clean than cast alternatives. It is manufactured to standard diameter specifications, meaning you won''t have to worry about changing your belt size or compromising your cooling fan speeda common issue with power-robbing "under-size" pulleys. This unit is built to withstand the rigors of high-RPM use while maintaining the structural integrity required to keep your alternator or generator spinning reliably. When you install an EMPI degree pulley, you aren''t just adding a part; you are investing in the long-term tuneability and visual appeal of your Volkswagen powerplant.

FITMENT

This standard diameter pulley is designed for Type 1 based air-cooled engines. Detailed fitment includes:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954 through 1979 (All Type 1 engines)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1955 through 1971 (Up to 1600cc Dual Port)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1973
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Fits most Sandrails, Dune Buggies, and Trikes utilizing a VW Type 1, 2, or 3 engine case.

SPECS

• Material: High-Grade 6061-T6 Billet Aluminum
• Finish: High-Luster Polished Mirror Finish
• Markings: Precision Laser-Etched Degree Numbers (0-360°) in Black
• Diameter: Standard 6-3/4 Inch (OEM Equivalent Diameter)
• Style: Solid Face (No Holes or Spokes)
• Part Number: 00-8779-0
• Weight: Approximately 1.28 lbs
• Compatibility: Works with standard 12-volt and 6-volt V-belts

PRO TIPS

1. Verify True Top Dead Center (TDC)

Never assume that the "0" mark on a new pulley perfectly aligns with your case split right out of the box, especially on aftermarket cases or engines with modified stroker cranks. We highly recommend using a piston stop tool in the #1 spark plug hole to find "True TDC." Rotate the engine by hand until it stops in both directions, mark the pulley at each stop, and the exact center between those two marks is your actual Top Dead Center. This ensures your timing is accurate to the degree, preventing potential engine damage from over-advancing.

2. Inspect the Oil Slinger and Seal

When swapping your pulley, take a moment to inspect the oil return "slinger" (the spiral grooves on the pulley shaft) and the crank seal area of the case. Since this is a solid billet pulley, it relies on the precision of those spiral grooves to "pump" oil back into the case. Ensure there are no burrs or debris on the shaft before installation. If your case is worn or has been "sand-sealed," ensure you are using the correct pulley version, as this standard model is intended for use with the original oil return system.

3. Proper Torque and Belt Alignment

Always use a high-quality chrome or heavy-duty pulley bolt and torque it to the factory specification of 32-35 ft-lbs. Don''t over-tighten, as you risk stripping the threads in the crankshaft. Additionally, check your belt alignment with the generator or alternator pulley. If the belt is "walking" or angled, use shims behind the top pulley to align it perfectly with your new EMPI degree pulley. A straight belt path reduces drag, prevents belt flip at high RPMs, and saves your bearings from premature wear.