Main Bearings, .020 Case, .010 Crank, Standard Thrust

OVERVIEW

When you''re deep into a high-quality air-cooled engine rebuild, precision is the only language that matters. These EMPI Silverline main bearings are engineered for the specific scenario where your engine case has been professionally line-bored to .020 inches (0.50mm) over and your crankshaft journals have been ground .010 inches (0.25mm) under. Using high-quality steel-backed bearings is non-negotiable for a long-lasting bottom end, and Silverline has long been the industry standard for engine builders who refuse to compromise. These bearings provide the necessary structural integrity and heat dissipation qualities required to maintain consistent oil pressure and reduce friction within the rotating assembly. When your machinist tells you the case is ''loose'' and the crank is ''scored,'' this is the exact set you need to bring that magnesium or aluminum case back to life with confidence.

At Appletree Auto, we know that the heart of your Beetle, Bus, or Ghia deserves the best internal components available. These bearings are manufactured to rigorous tolerances, ensuring that the oil clearance is within factory specifications even after the machining process. The ''Standard Thrust'' designation means these are designed for cases where the thrust surface hasn''t been cut or widened, allowing for a perfect fit against the crankshaft''s thrust flange. By choosing these Silverline bearings, you''re investing in a product that resists ''spinning'' in the case and provides a superior wear surface for the crankshaft journals. Whether you''re building a stock 1600cc daily driver or a mild performance weekend cruiser, these bearings provide the reliability and longevity you need to keep your air-cooled VW on the road for another generation.

VEHICLE FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle & Bug 1961-1979 (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, & 1600cc)
• Volkswagen Type 1: Super Beetle 1971-1979
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus / Transporter / Kombi 1961-1971 (Up to 1600cc Type 1 Engine)
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, Notchback 1962-1973
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1961-1974
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes using VW Type 1 based engine cases.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Part Number: 111-198-473
• Brand: Silverline (Steel-Backed)
• Case Bore (O.D.): .020" (0.50mm) Oversize
• Crank Journal (I.D.): .010" (0.25mm) Undersize
• Thrust Surface: Standard Thrust
• Material Composition: High-Tin Alloy on a Heavy-Duty Steel Backing
• Engine Type: Type 1, 2, and 3 Air-cooled VW (1200-1600cc based)
• Oil Holes: Pre-drilled for dual-relief and single-relief engine cases

EXPERT PRO TIPS FROM THE SHOP

Always Verify Machining Before Installation

Never assume your machinist and your parts order are perfectly aligned without checking them yourself. Before you apply assembly lube, perform a ''dry fit'' of the bearings into the case halves and onto the crankshaft journals. Use a calibrated micrometer or Plastigage to verify that your oil clearances are between .0015'' and .003''. If the crank doesn''t spin freely by hand once the case halves are torqued (without the rods or seal installed), you likely have a clearance issue or a slight misalignment in the line bore that needs to be addressed before final assembly.

Check the Dowel Pin Alignment

One of the most common mistakes in VW engine assembly is failing to properly seat the main bearings on the case dowel pins. Each bearing shell has a specific hole that must drop perfectly over the brass or steel dowel pin in the engine case. If the bearing is slightly offset, torquing the case will crush the bearing shell, ruin the bearing, and potentially damage your freshly machined case. Use a small dab of grease to hold the bearing in place, and feel for that positive ''click'' when the bearing seats over the pin. Double-check that the oil holes in the bearing align perfectly with the oil galleries in the case.

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

Even though these bearings come new in the box, they must be meticulously cleaned before installation. Use a lint-free cloth and a bit of brake cleaner to remove any residual shipping oils or microscopic debris from the bearing surfaces. Furthermore, ensure the bearing saddles in your engine case are surgically clean. Even a single grain of sand or a tiny metal shaving trapped behind the bearing shell can create a ''high spot'' on the bearing surface, leading to localized heat and premature engine failure. Once clean, use a high-quality assembly lube on the journal side of the bearing, but keep the back side (where