Main Bearings, .060 Case, .010 Crank, .080 Thrust

OVERVIEW

Rebuilding a classic air-cooled Volkswagen engine requires precision components that can compensate for years of heat cycles and structural wear. These EMPI Silverline main bearings are engineered specifically for engines where the magnesium or aluminum case has undergone significant machining and the crankshaft has been turned to restore a smooth journal surface. When a case is line-bored .060 inches (1.50mm) over and the crankshaft journals are ground .010 inches (0.25mm) under, you need a high-quality, steel-backed bearing that maintains strict tolerances to ensure proper oil pressure and rotational harmony. These bearings are the professional''s choice for saving a vintage case that might otherwise be destined for the scrap pile, providing a secondary or tertiary life to your Type 1, 2, or 3 engine block.

The standout feature of this particular bearing set is the .080 inch (2.0mm) thrust cut. In the world of VW engine building, the thrust surface on the number one main bearing seat often becomes pounded out or "hammered" due to clutch engagement and high-mileage wear. By machining the thrust face of the case and utilizing this .080 oversized thrust bearing, you effectively reset the crankshaft''s end play to factory specifications. These Silverline bearings feature a robust steel backing for superior strength and a high-grade babbitt lining that provides excellent embedability for any microscopic debris, protecting your expensive crankshaft journals. Whether you are building a stock 1600cc upright engine for a Beetle or a high-torque powerplant for a heavy Transporter, these bearings deliver the reliability and fitment required for a long-lasting air-cooled legacy.

FITMENT

This main bearing set is designed for Volkswagen Type 1 based engines (1200cc to 1600cc) with specific machining requirements. Please verify your machinist''s measurements before ordering.

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954-1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1954-1971 (Type 2)
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1962-1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing Type 1 VW engine cases.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI / Silverline
• Part Number: 111-198-49360
• Case Bore (Oversize): .060 inches (1.50mm)
• Crankshaft Journal (Undersize): .010 inches (0.25mm)
• Thrust Surface (Oversize): .080 inches (2.00mm)
• Material: Steel-backed with high-quality bearing alloy lining
• Engine Type: VW Type 1, 2, and 3 (1200-1600cc based)
• Quantity: Full set for one engine (Main Bearings 1-4)
• Manufacturing Location: Mexico / High-Precision Silverline Standards

PRO TIPS

1. Validate Your Measurements Twice

Before installing these bearings, it is absolutely critical to use a micrometer and a dial bore gauge to verify the dimensions provided by your machine shop. A .060 case bore is a significant cut, and even a slight deviation in the line-bore or the crankshaft grind can lead to improper oil clearance. Ideally, you are looking for an oil clearance between .002 and .004 inches. If the clearance is too tight, the bearing will overheat and seize; if it is too loose, you will suffer from low oil pressure at idle, which is the silent killer of air-cooled engines. Always "dry fit" the bearings and torque the case halves to check for crank rotation before final assembly.

2. The Importance of the Thrust Face

The .080 thrust dimension refers to the width of the flange on the number one bearing (the one closest to the flywheel). When the case is machined to .080 over on the thrust, the machinist is removing material from the case web to create a fresh, flat surface. When installing this bearing, ensure that the case thrust surface is perfectly burr-free. Even a tiny speck of metal or a sharp edge can prevent the bearing from seating fully against the case, which will result in incorrect end-play readings. Use a quality assembly lube on the bearing faces, but keep the "back" of the bearing (the side touching the case) clean and dry to ensure it stays locked in place.

3. Check the Dowel Pin Alignment

One of the most common mistakes in VW engine assembly is failing to properly align the bearing tangs and holes with the dowel pins in the case. Because these bearings are designed for a .060 oversized case, the physical thickness of the shell is greater than a standard bearing. Ensure the dowel pins are not "bottoming out" in the bearing hole. If the pin is too long or the hole in the bearing isn''t deep enough, the case halves will not seal correctly, and you will crush the bearing shell when torquing the case nuts. Always verify that the bearing "drops" onto the pin and sits flush against the case saddle before joining the two halves together.