Main Bearings, .020 Case, Standard Crank, .080 Thrust

OVERVIEW

When it comes to rebuilding your air-cooled Volkswagen engine, the foundation of your build starts with the main bearings. These EMPI Silverline main bearings are engineered specifically for engines where the crankcase has been machined .020 inches (0.50mm) over and the thrust surface has been cut .080 inches (2.00mm) to correct for excessive end-play or wear on the thrust face. In the world of VW restoration, finding a perfect "Standard/Standard" case is becoming increasingly rare, which is why these precision-engineered oversize bearings are essential. They allow you to salvage a high-quality German case that would otherwise be destined for the scrap pile, providing a snug, factory-spec fit for your standard-diameter crankshaft while compensating for the material removed during the line-boring process.

Choosing the right bearing set is the difference between an engine that lasts 100,000 miles and one that fails during the break-in period. These bearings feature a robust steel-backed construction with a high-quality alloy lining that offers superior embedability and conformability. This means that if any microscopic debris enters the oiling system, the bearing surface can safely absorb it rather than allowing it to score your crankshaft journals. Whether you are building a daily driver Beetle, a weekend cruiser Karmann Ghia, or a rugged off-road dune buggy, these Silverline bearings provide the durability and oil pressure stability required for air-cooled engines that operate under high heat and varying load conditions. Don''t settle for inferior components when the heart of your engine is on the line; trust the combination of Silverline manufacturing and Appletree Auto''s specialized selection.

FITMENT

These main bearings are designed for Volkswagen Type 1 based engines (1200cc to 1600cc+) and are compatible with the following models, provided the case has been line-bored .020" over and the thrust face cut to .080":

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1961-1977 (Sedan & Convertible)
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971-1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1961-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1961-1971 (1200, 1500, and 1600cc engines)
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1962-1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes using VW Type 1 upright engine configurations.

SPECS

• Case Bore Diameter: .020 inches (0.50mm) Oversize
• Crankshaft Journal Diameter: Standard (STD)
• Thrust Flange Width: .080 inches (2.00mm) Oversize
• Material: Heavy-duty Steel-backed with Babbitt/Silver-style lining
• Brand: Silverline (Distributed by EMPI)
• SKU: 111-198-471OS+2
• Oil Hole Configuration: Precision drilled for dual-relief cases
• Weight: 0.7 lbs
• Construction: Multi-piece set including the critical thrust bearing (Bearing #1)

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: Verify Your Machinist''s Work. Even if your machinist tells you the case was cut to .020 over and the thrust to .080, you must always "dry fit" your bearings and measure them with a precision micrometer or a dial bore gauge. Machine shop errors are rare but can be catastrophic. Check the bearing crush by installing the bearings into the case halves, torquing the case to 25 ft-lbs (without the crank), and measuring the internal diameter. This ensures that you have the proper oil clearancetypically between .0015 and .003 inchesbefore final assembly.

Pro Tip 2: Clear the Oil Passages. When using oversize bearings, it is imperative that you thoroughly clean the oil galleries in the engine case. Line-boring generates fine magnesium and aluminum shavings that can hide in the oil galleys behind the bearing saddles. Use a set of engine cleaning brushes and high-pressure compressed air to blow out every passage. If these shavings aren''t removed, they will flow directly into your brand-new bearings the moment the engine starts, leading to immediate scoring and premature failure.

Pro Tip 3: Proper Thrust Bearing Alignment. The #1 bearing (the one with the large flanges) is the thrust bearing. Before you torque the case halves together, ensure the bearing is seated perfectly on the dowel pin. A common mistake is "pinching" the bearing because the dowel pin isn''t fully seated in the bearing hole. Additionally, always use a high-quality assembly lubenot just motor oilon the bearing surfaces. This provides the necessary lubrication for those first few critical seconds of initial startup before the oil pump has fully pressurized the system.