Main Bearings, .020 Case, .030 Crank, Standard Thrust

OVERVIEW

Precision is the heartbeat of a high-performance air-cooled engine, and these EMPI Main Bearings are engineered to restore that heartbeat when your components have seen years of service. When a classic Volkswagen engine case has been line-bored to .020 inches over and the crankshaft journals have been ground down .030 inches to remove scoring or eccentricity, you need a bearing set that bridges that gap with absolute accuracy. These bearings provide the critical oil clearance necessary to maintain oil pressure and ensure a smooth-running rotating assembly. Designed for the enthusiast who demands longevity and reliability, this set allows you to save a vintage magnesium or aluminum case and a forged crank that might otherwise be destined for the scrap heap, giving your Type 1, 2, or 3 engine a robust new lease on life.

Constructed with high-quality aluminum backing, these bearings offer superior heat dissipation and conformability compared to older styles. The aluminum alloy material is specifically chosen for its ability to handle the thermal expansion rates of the VW engine case, ensuring that the bearings stay seated firmly even under high-operating temperatures. This specific set is configured for a standard thrust surface, meaning your engine case thrust flange remains at the factory width even though the main journals have been machined. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that engine building is a game of thousandths of an inch, and that''s why we stock EMPI components that meet the rigorous demands of both daily drivers and weekend warriors. Whether you''re rebuilding a stock 1600cc or a mild performance upright engine, these bearings provide the foundational stability your crankshaft requires.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle, Bug, and Super Beetle (1961-1979)
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, Kombi (1961-1971)
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, Notchback (1961-1973)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All Models (1961-1974)
• Volkswagen Thing: Type 181 (1973-1974)
• Compatible Engines: 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc Based Air-Cooled Engines

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 111-198-477
• Case Bore (O.D.): .020 inches (0.50mm) Oversize
• Crankshaft Journal (I.D.): .030 inches (0.75mm) Undersize
• Thrust Surface: Standard
• Material: High-Strength Aluminum Backed Alloy
• Quantity: Complete Set for One Engine (Main Journals 1, 2, 3, and 4)
• Oil Holes: Pre-drilled for Standard Oil Galleys

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Always Verify Your Machinist''s Work. Even the best machine shops can occasionally have an off day or a misunderstanding regarding measurements. Before you begin assembly, use a high-quality micrometer to measure your crankshaft journals and a dial bore gauge to check the line-bore of your case. Ensure the measurements match exactly with the .020 case and .030 crank specifications of these bearings. Don''t forget to check for "crush" when the case halves are torqued together; if the bearings aren''t seated perfectly, you risk a spun bearing during your first heat cycle.

Tip 2: Cleanliness and Lubrication are Non-Negotiable. Air-cooled VW engines are notoriously sensitive to debris left in the oil galleys or on the bearing surfaces. Before installing these EMPI bearings, scrub the engine case and crankshaft with hot soapy water and compressed air. When you are ready to set the crank, use a dedicated high-pressure assembly lube on the bearing faces. Do not use standard motor oil for assembly, as it can run off the surfaces before you actually start the engine, leading to a "dry start" that can score your brand-new .030 journals instantly.

Tip 3: Check the Dowel Pin Alignment. One of the most common mistakes in VW engine assembly is failing to properly align the bearing shells with the dowel pins in the case. Ensure that the holes in the bearings are perfectly centered over the pins. If a bearing is forced down on top of a pin that isn''t aligned, it will create a high spot on the bearing surface that will destroy the crankshaft journal within minutes of operation. Double-check that the bearings sit flush and that the crankshaft rotates freely by hand once the case halves are initialy bolted together before applying final torque.