Main Bearings, .040 Case, Standard Crank, .080 Thrust

OVERVIEW

Precision is the heartbeat of a high-performance air-cooled engine, and when it comes to the foundation of your build, you cannot afford to compromise. These EMPI Main Bearings are engineered specifically for Volkswagen engines where the crankcase has been bored .040 inches (1.0mm) over to accommodate wear or to restore structural integrity, while the crankshaft remains at the factory standard (STD) journal size. This specific configuration is a lifesaver for builders who have a perfectly good, standard-size forged crankshaft but are working with an older case that has seen its fair share of miles and requires a significant align-bore to ensure everything is perfectly concentric and true. By using these steel-backed Silverline-style bearings, you are ensuring that your oil pressure remains stable and your rotating assembly spins with minimal friction, which is vital for both daily reliability and high-RPM racing applications.

What sets this specific bearing set apart is the massive .080 inch (2.0mm) thrust cut. In the world of VW engine rebuilding, the thrust surface of the engine case is often the first area to suffer from "pounding" or excessive play, especially in vehicles with heavy-duty pressure plates or high-mileage transmissions. A standard thrust bearing won''t seat correctly in a case that has been machined to repair this damage. This .080 thrust oversized bearing allows you to salvage a rare or expensive dual-relief case that would otherwise be destined for the scrap pile. These bearings are manufactured with high-quality materials designed to withstand the lateral forces exerted on the crankshaft during clutch engagement, providing a durable wear surface that maintains the critical end-play tolerances required for a long-lasting engine life. Don''t let a worn case stop your project; this specialized bearing set provides the professional-grade solution needed to get your Beetle, Bus, or Ghia back on the road with confidence.

FITMENT

These bearings are designed for Type 1, 2, and 3 air-cooled Volkswagen engines (1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based). Please verify your machine shop''s measurements before ordering.

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1966-1977 (Sedan & Convertible)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1966-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1963-1971
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973-1974
• Volkswagen Squareback, Fastback, Notchback: 1966-1973
• Custom Applications: Sandrails, Dune Buggies, and Trikes using VW Type 1 engine cases.

SPECS

• Manufacturer: EMPI / Silverline
• Part Number: 111-198-481OS+2
• Case Bore Diameter: .040 inches (1.00mm) Oversize
• Crankshaft Journal Diameter: Standard (STD)
• Thrust Surface Width: .080 inches (2.00mm) Oversize
• Material: High-strength steel-backed alloy for maximum durability.
• Engine Type: VW Type 1, 2, 3 (1300cc-1600cc based).
• Oil Holes: Precision pre-drilled for optimal lubrication flow.
• Bearing Set Includes: All main bearings required for a complete engine block assembly.

PRO TIPS

1. Always Measure Twice and Order Once

The most common mistake in engine building is assuming the size of the case or crank based on what the previous owner told you. Before ordering these bearings, you must use a high-quality micrometer to measure your crankshaft journals and a dial bore gauge to measure your engine case after it has been align-bored by a machine shop. Because this set features a .040 case cut and a .080 thrust cut, it is highly specific. If your machinist didn''t specifically tell you they cut the thrust surface to .080 (2.0mm), these will not fit. Precision is measured in thousandths of an inch in the VW world, and being off by even a small margin will lead to immediate engine failure upon startup.

2. Check for Cleanliness and Deburring

When you receive your new bearings, don''t just slap them into the case. Take the time to inspect the oil holes and the edges of the bearings. Sometimes, during the manufacturing or shipping process, tiny burrs can form. Use a small deburring tool or very fine emery cloth to ensure the oil holes are smooth and line up perfectly with the oil galleries in your case. Furthermore, ensure the case itself is surgically clean. Even a single grain of sand or a tiny metal flake trapped behind the bearing shell can create a "high spot," which will cause the bearing to rub against the crank journal, leading to heat buildup and a spun bearing. Wash the bearings in clean solvent and dry them with compressed air before installation.

3. Proper Lubrication and End-Play Setting

During assembly, never install bearings dry. Use a dedicated high-pressure engine assembly lube on the bearing faces that contact the crankshaft. However, it is critical to keep the "back" of the bearing (the side that touches the case) clean and dry to ensure it "seats" properly and doesn''t rotate. Once the case is torqued to spec, you must check your crankshaft end-play. With an .080 thrust bearing, your machinist has widened the thrust bridge of the case. You will need to use the appropriate fly-wheel shims to set your end-play between .003 and .006 inches. If the end-play is too tight, you''ll burn up the thrust surface; if it''s too loose, you''ll damage your main seals and internal components.