Head CC Measuring Kit, for Aircooled VW Heads

Precision Engine Building with the EMPI Head CC Measuring Kit

Achieving the perfect compression ratio is the absolute cornerstone of any high-performance air-cooled Volkswagen engine build, and the EMPI Head CC Measuring Kit is the professional-grade tool you need to eliminate dangerous guesswork. Whether you are assembling a bone-stock 1600cc daily driver or a high-revving, large-displacement stroker motor, knowing the exact volume of your combustion chambers is critical for both engine longevity and maximum power output. This kit allows you to precisely measure the volume in cubic centimeters (cc), ensuring that every cylinder is perfectly balanced and that your calculated compression ratio is spot-on. Without this data, you risk destructive detonation from too much compression or lackluster performance from too little, making this kit an essential investment for any serious engine builder.

This comprehensive kit is engineered specifically for the unique architecture of air-cooled VW cylinder heads and includes multiple clear acrylic discs to accommodate a vast range of bore sizes, from standard 85.5mm setups up to massive 94mm and larger big-bore kits. The included graduated syringe provides high-visibility measurements, allowing you to fill the chamber with fluid and read the displacement with absolute confidence. By using this kit during your engine mock-up phase, you can determine if your heads require additional fly-cutting to increase compression or if you need to adjust your deck height with cylinder shims to lower it. It is an indispensable addition to any VW enthusiast''s workshop, providing the laboratory-level accuracy required for a truly blueprinted engine build that will outlast and outperform the competition.

Vehicle and Engine Fitment

This universal measuring kit is designed for use with all air-cooled Volkswagen cylinder heads, including but not limited to:

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle, Bug, and Super Beetle (1950-1979)
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, Kombi, and Microbus (1950-1971)
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback (1961-1973)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years (1955-1974)
• Volkswagen Thing: Type 181 (1973-1974)
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Meyer''s Manx builds using Type 1 based engines.
• Bore Sizes: Compatible with 85.5mm, 87mm, 88mm, 90.5mm, 92mm, and 94mm cylinder bores.

Technical Specifications and Materials

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 16-9603-0
• Disc Material: Heavy-duty, clear-view polished acrylic for maximum visibility and bubble detection.
• Syringe Type: High-capacity graduated syringe with easy-to-read CC markings.
• Disc Variety: Multiple diameter plates included to seal against various cylinder head step-cut sizes.
• Compatibility: Works with all dual-port and single-port air-cooled cylinder heads.
• Measurement Increment: Precise CC graduations for professional blueprinting standards.
• Storage: Compact design easily fits into any standard mechanic''s tool chest.

Pro Tips from the Appletree Specialist Team

1. The Secret to a Perfect Seal

When you are ready to measure, clean the head surface thoroughly. Apply a very thin, consistent bead of heavy wheel bearing grease or Vaseline around the outer edge of the combustion chamber or the step-cut. Press the acrylic disc down firmly with a slight twisting motion. This creates a liquid-tight seal that prevents your measuring fluid from leaking out past the valves or the disc edge, which would result in an artificially high (and incorrect) CC reading. Always ensure your spark plug is installed and torqued to seal the plug hole during this process.

2. Eliminating Trapped Air Bubbles

Air bubbles are the enemy of accuracy. To get a perfect reading, slightly tilt the cylinder head on your workbench so that the small filling hole in the acrylic disc is at the highest point of the chamber. As you slowly inject the fluid (we recommend using colored rubbing alcohol or light lamp oil), the air will be pushed toward the hole and out of the chamber. If a small bubble remains trapped near a valve seat, gently tap the side of the head with a rubber mallet to encourage the bubble to migrate toward the filling port for a 100% liquid-filled measurement.

3. Balancing Your Combustion Chambers

Don''t just measure one chamber and assume the others are identical. Factory castings and even aftermarket heads can vary by 1-2cc between chambers. For a high-performance build, measure all four chambers and record the results. If you find a discrepancy, you can use a small carbide burr to carefully unshroud the valves or remove material from the "tight" chambers until they all match the volume of the largest chamber. This ensures equal power pulses across all four cylinders, leading to a much smoother running engine and reduced vibration at high RPMs.