Lifter Set, 28mm Face, with Oiling Hole, 8 Piece

OVERVIEW

When you are building a high-performance air-cooled engine, the valve train is the heart of your horsepower and reliability. These EMPI 28mm lifters are engineered for the serious VW enthusiast who demands more than just a standard replacement part. Manufactured from high-quality, one-piece chromoly billets, these lifters are precision ground and heat-treated to withstand the extreme pressures of performance camshafts and high-revving environments. By utilizing a single-piece design, EMPI has eliminated the common failure points found in multi-piece alternatives, ensuring that your engine maintains its timing and lift throughout the most demanding drives. Whether you are building a weekend cruiser or a dedicated sand rail, these lifters provide the structural integrity and lightweight profile necessary to reduce reciprocating mass and improve overall engine efficiency.

What truly sets this 21-4304-0 set apart from the competition is the integrated oiling hole. Lubrication is the lifeblood of the flat-tappet engine design, and the interface between the camshaft lobe and the lifter face is often the most stressed component in the entire block. The laser-drilled oiling hole allows for a consistent flow of pressurized oil directly to the contact point, significantly reducing friction, heat buildup, and the risk of premature cam lobe wear. This feature is particularly crucial when using modern oils that may lack the high zinc and phosphorus levels of yesteryear. When you install these lifters, you aren''t just putting in a part; you are installing a specialized lubrication system designed to extend the life of your camshaft and keep your Volkswagen running cooler and smoother for thousands of miles.

FITMENT

These 28mm face lifters are designed for use in Type 1, 2, and 3 air-cooled Volkswagen engines. Please verify your camshaft manufacturer''s requirements for lifter face diameter before installation.

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1971 (Type 2 engines)
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1962 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Baja Bugs using VW-based engine cases.

SPECS

• Quantity: Complete set of 8 pieces.
• Material: High-grade 1-piece Chromoly Billet steel.
• Face Diameter: 28mm (Performance Standard).
• Lubrication: Features a precision laser-drilled oiling hole on the face.
• Manufacturing: Precision ground and heat-treated for maximum hardness and durability.
• Weight: Lightened design to reduce valve train inertia.
• Part Number: EMPI 21-4304-0.
• Compatibility: Suitable for use with performance and high-lift flat-tappet camshafts.

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Camshaft Break-In is Mandatory

Even with the added benefit of the oiling hole, you must never skip a proper break-in procedure. When installing these lifters, apply a high-quality molybdenum disulfide (moly) assembly lube specifically designed for flat-tappet cams to the face of each lifter and the cam lobes. Upon the first startup, immediately bring the engine to 2,0002,500 RPM and hold it there for 20 minutes. This ensures that the lifters begin to rotate properly in their bores and that the wear pattern between the cam and lifter is established correctly. Never let a new engine idle during the first 20 minutes of its life, as this can lead to immediate cam failure.

2. Check Lifter Bore Clearance

Before final assembly, you should always test-fit each lifter in its respective bore within the engine case. The lifter should drop in and rotate freely under its own weight. If you feel any resistance or "sticky" spots, do not force the lifter. This is often caused by small burrs or debris in the engine case bores. Use a Scotch-Brite pad or a dedicated lifter bore hone to lightly clean the bores until the lifters move smoothly. If the lifters cannot rotate freely, they will stay stationary against the cam lobe, leading to a wiped cam and catastrophic engine damage.

3. Use High-Zinc Oil for Ongoing Protection

While the oiling hole in these EMPI lifters provides a mechanical advantage for lubrication, the chemistry of your oil still matters. Most modern "off-the-shelf" motor oils designed for newer cars have significantly reduced levels of ZDDP (Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate) to protect catalytic converters. Air-cooled VW engines with flat-tappet cams require high levels of ZDDP to prevent metal-to-metal contact. We highly recommend using a dedicated break-in oil for the first 500 miles, followed by a high-zinc performance oil or a ZDDP additive during every subsequent oil change to ensure these lifters and your camshaft live a long, healthy life.