EMPI GT-2 Camshaft, Medium Dislacement, Mid Range Power

OVERVIEW

Unlock the true potential of your air-cooled engine with the EMPI GT-2 Camshaft, a precision-engineered component designed specifically for those seeking the perfect balance between daily streetability and aggressive mid-range performance. Whether you are building a spirited 1776cc or a torquey 1914cc, this camshaft provides a noticeable increase in horsepower and torque where you need it most. Produced from high-quality chilled cast iron billets to EMPI''s exacting specifications, the GT-2 ensures exceptional durability and resistance to wear. Every GT series camshaft undergoes a specialized Parkerizing process, which creates a phosphate coating that holds assembly lube more effectively, ensuring a trouble-free break-in period and protecting your valvetrain during those critical first minutes of operation.

The EMPI GT-2 is engineered with the modern engine builder in mind, featuring a stroker-clearanced design that accommodates longer-stroke crankshafts without the need for extensive machining. This makes it an ideal choice for medium-displacement builds aimed at street use or off-road adventures where a "fair" idle and a strong power band from 2,500 to 5,500 RPM are desired. To ensure a complete and professional installation, EMPI includes a tube of high-pressure assembly lube and new Grade 8 mounting hardware. When paired with the correct valvetrain components, the GT-2 delivers a crisp exhaust note and the mid-range "punch" that transforms a sluggish stocker into a high-performance machine without sacrificing the reliability Appletree Automotive customers expect.

FITMENT

This camshaft is designed for Type 1, 2, and 3 Volkswagen air-cooled engines with a 3-bolt cam gear configuration (dish gear). It is compatible with the following models:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954 through 1979 (Type 1 Engine)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1954 through 1971 (Type 1 Engine styles)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1973
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Sand Rails and Buggies: Utilizing VW Type 1 based engine cases

SPECS

The technical specifications of the EMPI GT-2 Camshaft are optimized for mid-range power delivery and longevity:

• Application: Medium Displacement / Mid-Range Power / Fair Idle
• Usage: Street and Off-Road Performance
• Valve Lift (with 1.1:1 Rockers): .427''
• Cam Lift: .388''
• Duration: 282 Degrees
• Material: New Chilled Cast Iron Billet
• Finish: Parkerized for superior break-in protection
• Clearance: Stroker clearanced for high-displacement builds
• Hardware Included: New Grade 8 Bolts and Assembly Lube
• Part Number: 77-2105-0

PRO TIPS

1. NEVER REUSE OLD LIFTERS

As a master VW specialist, I cannot stress this enough: always install a new set of EMPI lifters (Part Number 21-4300-0) with your new GT-2 camshaft. Camshafts and lifters "marry" to each other during the initial break-in process. Reusing old lifters or mixing used components will lead to immediate cam lobe failure and can send metal debris throughout your entire engine case, ruining your bearings and oil pump. For the best results, ensure the lifter faces are smooth and pre-lubricated with the included high-pressure assembly lube.

2. MASTER THE CRITICAL BREAK-IN PERIOD

The first 20 minutes of your engine''s life determine the lifespan of your camshaft. Once the engine fires, immediately bring the RPM up to a steady 2,000 to 2,500 RPM and hold it there for 20 minutes. Do not let the engine idle! This ensures that the splash lubrication from the crankshaft is sufficient to keep the cam lobes and lifters cool while they burnish together. Use a high-zinc (ZDDP) break-in oil to provide the necessary sacrificial wear layer required for flat-tappet valvetrains.

3. CHECK YOUR VALVETRAIN GEOMETRY

Because the GT-2 offers a significant increase in lift over a stock camshaft (.427'' vs stock .320''-.330''), you must check for coil bind and retainer-to-guide clearance. Ensure that your valve springs have at least .060'' of clearance before reaching full coil bind at maximum lift. Additionally, you may need to utilize heavy-duty single or dual valve springs and chromoly pushrods to handle the increased ramp speeds and lift of this performance profile. Taking the time to shim your rocker shafts properly will ensure a quiet and reliable valvetrain.