Main Bearings, .060 Case, .040 Crank, .080 Thrust

OVERVIEW

When you are deep into a performance engine build or a high-quality restoration, the foundation of your air-cooled powerplant relies entirely on the precision of your main bearings. These EMPI Main Bearings are designed specifically for Volkswagen Type 1, 2, and 3 engines that have undergone significant machining to save a seasoned engine case or to accommodate a crankshaft that has been turned down to its limit. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that finding the exact bearing for a heavily machined case can be the difference between a long-lasting engine and a catastrophic failure. This specific set features a .060 case oversize, a .040 crank undersize, and a .080 thrust oversize, making it the go-to solution for blocks and cranks that require maximum material removal to achieve perfectly round and smooth surfaces. Don''t let a rare or high-value magnesium case go to waste just because it needs a heavy cut; these bearings provide the tolerances necessary to restore factory-level oil pressure and structural integrity.

Engineering an air-cooled engine requires a fanatical devotion to clearances, and EMPI has delivered a bearing set that meets those rigorous demands. These bearings are manufactured with a high-strength steel backing and a premium alloy lining that offers superior embeddability and heat dissipation qualities. This is critical in the VW flat-four design, where the center main bearing carries a significant load and the thrust bearing manages the lateral forces exerted every time you depress the clutch pedal. By utilizing a .080 thrust cut, this set allows for professional resurfacing of the thrust face on the engine case, ensuring that your crankshaft end-play remains within factory specifications even after decades of wear. Whether you are building a rugged off-road rail, a weekend cruiser, or a vintage showpiece, these bearings offer the reliability and precision fitment that seasoned VW builders demand. Every oil hole is precision-drilled to align perfectly with the case galleys, ensuring that your bottom end receives the constant lubrication required to survive high-RPM operation and high-temperature environments.

FITMENT

These main bearings are designed for 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based air-cooled engines. Please verify your machining measurements before ordering.

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1966-1977 (Sedan & Convertible)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1966-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1963-1971
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1963-1973
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Trikes using VW Type 1 engine cases.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 111-198-49960
• Case Bore (Oversize): .060 inches (1.50mm)
• Crankshaft Journal (Undersize): .040 inches (1.00mm)
• Thrust Surface (Oversize): .080 inches (2.00mm)
• Material: High-performance steel-backed bearing alloy
• Engine Type: VW Type 1, 2, 3 (1300-1600cc)
• Oiling: Precision-aligned oiling holes for dual-relief cases
• Included: Complete set of main bearings for one engine build

PRO TIPS

1. Triple-Check Your Measurements

In the world of air-cooled VW engine building, you should never assume the machine shop and the bearing box are in perfect agreement. Before beginning your assembly, use a high-quality micrometer to measure your crankshaft journals and a dial bore gauge to measure the engine case bore with the case halves torqued to specification. Confirming that your .060 case cut and .040 crank cut match the physical dimensions of these bearings is the only way to guarantee the proper oil clearance (typically .0015'' to .003'' depending on your specific build goals). Installing bearings without verifying these clearances can lead to immediate oil pressure loss or bearing seizure.

2. Align the Dowel Pins Correctly

One of the most common mistakes during a VW bottom-end assembly is failing to properly seat the bearings on the case dowel pins. When installing these EMPI bearings, ensure the hole in the bearing shell drops perfectly over the pin in the case. If the bearing sits on top of the pin rather than over it, the case halves will not seal correctly, and you will likely crush the bearing shell when torquing the case through-bolts. Use a small amount of assembly lube to hold the bearings in place, but keep the backside of the bearing (where it touches the case) clean and dry to ensure proper heat transfer and to prevent the bearing from spinning.

3. Clean the Oil Galleys Thoroughly

When a case is machined for a .060 oversize and the thrust is cut to .080, a significant amount of metal shavings and debris are created. Even if your machinist cleaned the case, you must perform a final, surgical-level cleaning of the oil galleys. Remove all gallery plugs, scrub the passages with a stiff brush and solvent, and blow them out with compressed air. Residual metal particles trapped in the oiling system will migrate directly to your brand-new bearings upon the first startup, scarring the soft alloy surface and ruining your hard work before the engine even breaks in. Always prioritize cleanliness above all else during the final assembly phase.