Main Bearings, .060 Case, .020 Crank, .080 Thrust

OVERVIEW

When you are deep into a performance engine build or resurrecting a classic air-cooled power plant, precision is the only thing standing between a long-lasting motor and a catastrophic failure. These EMPI Silverline main bearings are engineered specifically for cases that have seen significant service and require a substantial line bore to return to true. By utilizing a .060 inch oversized case bore dimension, these bearings allow you to save a rare or high-value magnesium or aluminum case that would otherwise be destined for the scrap heap. The steel-backed design provides the structural integrity needed to maintain a tight press-fit within the engine case, ensuring that even under the high thermal expansion rates typical of the Volkswagen Type 1 engine architecture, your bearing shells remain locked in place without spinning.

This specific bearing set is a "triple-cut" configuration, designed for a crankshaft that has been ground .020 inches undersize and a case that has had the thrust surface machined out to .080 inches. This level of specialization is exactly what professional engine builders look for when balancing tight tolerances with the realities of vintage engine components. The Silverline brand is world-renowned in the VW community for providing superior oil retention and surface hardness, which is critical for maintaining consistent oil pressure at high operating temperatures. Whether you are building a rugged off-road machine, a daily-driven Beetle, or a weekend cruiser, these bearings provide the reliable foundation your rotating assembly demands to keep your VW on the road for another generation.

FITMENT

These main bearings are designed for Volkswagen Type 1, 2, and 3 air-cooled engines (1200cc to 1600cc based) that have undergone specific machining. Fitment includes but is not limited to:

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

SPECS

• Part Number: 111-198-49560
• Case Bore Diameter: .060 inches (1.50mm) Oversize
• Crankshaft Journal Diameter: .020 inches (0.50mm) Undersize
• Thrust Surface Width: .080 inches (2.00mm) Oversize
• Material: High-strength Steel-Backed Alloy
• Brand: Silverline (Distributed by EMPI)
• Engine Application: 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based air-cooled engines
• Construction: Multi-layer steel-backed for superior heat dissipation and fatigue resistance

PRO TIPS

1. Verify Your Machinist''s Work with a Micrometer

Never assume that your case or crankshaft matches the labels on the box without double-checking. Use a high-quality micrometer to measure your crankshaft journals and a dial bore gauge to check the main bearing saddles in the case after it has been torqued to spec without the bearings. For a .060/.020/.080 set, you are dealing with very specific clearances. If your machinist cut the thrust to .040 or .060 by mistake, using this .080 bearing will cause immediate binding of the crankshaft. Always perform a "dry fit" of the crank into the case with the bearings installed (and a light coat of oil) to ensure the assembly rotates freely before final assembly.

2. Align the Oil Galley Holes Perfectly

One of the most common mistakes in VW engine assembly is failing to align the oil holes in the bearings with the oil galleys in the case. While the dowel pins usually dictate the position, it is possible to seat a bearing incorrectly if you aren''t paying attention. Check that the oil hole in the main bearing shell (especially the center main) is fully centered over the oil feed hole in the case. If these are partially blocked, you will suffer from localized heat buildup and premature bearing failure. Also, ensure your dowel pins are in good condition and aren''t "mushroomed," which can prevent the bearing from seating fully flush against the case webbing.

3. Manage Your Thrust Clearance Correctly

Since these bearings are .080 inches oversized on the thrust surface, it means your engine case has had a significant amount of material removed from the thrust face (usually the flywheel end). After installing the crankshaft with these bearings, you must check your crankshaft end-play using a dial indicator. The end-play is adjusted using the three shims behind the flywheel. Proper end-play is typically between .003 and .005 inches. If you cannot achieve this clearance with standard shims, you may need to re-evaluate the machining of the case or the flywheel. Never "force" the end-play; it is the lifeblood of your engine''s longitudinal stability.