Main Bearings, .080 Case, .030 Crank, .080 Thrust

OVERVIEW

When it comes to resurrecting a vintage air-cooled engine, precision is the difference between a motor that lasts for decades and one that fails within the first hundred miles. These EMPI Main Bearings are specifically engineered for the most demanding engine rebuilds where the engine case and the crankshaft have seen significant machining to correct years of wear and heat cycling. Designed for a case that has been bored .080 inches over, a crankshaft that has been ground .030 inches under, and a thrust surface that has been cut .080 inches, this bearing set is the ultimate solution for saving a rare or valuable Type 1, 2, or 3 engine block. In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, finding a usable original case is becoming increasingly difficult, and these specialty oversized bearings allow builders to salvage components that would otherwise be destined for the scrap heap, ensuring your Beetle, Bus, or Ghia stays on the road with rock-solid oil pressure and perfect internal alignment.

At Appletree Automotive, we understand that an engine is only as good as its foundation. That is why we provide EMPI''s high-quality bearing sets, which are manufactured to exacting tolerances to handle the unique thermal expansion characteristics of the VW magnesium or aluminum alloy case. These bearings feature high-grade materials that offer superior embeddability, allowing any microscopic debris to be safely trapped within the bearing surface rather than scouring the crankshaft journals. Whether you are building a high-performance street machine or restoring a classic daily driver, these .080/.030/.080 bearings provide the necessary clearance and structural integrity to maintain a consistent oil film. By choosing this robust bearing set, you are investing in the longevity of your air-cooled investment, ensuring that every revolution of the crankshaft is supported by the best technology the aftermarket has to offer.

FITMENT

This main bearing set is designed for VW Type 1, 2, and 3 air-cooled engines (1200cc to 1600cc based) that have undergone specific machining. Please verify your machinist''s measurements before ordering.

• VW Beetle: 1954 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle).
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974.
• VW Bus / Type 2: 1954 through 1971 (1200cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc upright engines).
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1973.
• VW Thing: 1973 through 1974.
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing a Type 1 upright engine configuration.

SPECS

• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 111-198-49780.
• Case Bore (Oversize): .080 inches (2.00mm) over standard.
• Crankshaft Journal (Undersize): .030 inches (0.75mm) under standard.
• Thrust Surface (Oversize): .080 inches (2.00mm) over standard.
• Material: Heavy-duty steel-backed alloy for maximum durability.
• Engine Type: Type 1, 2, and 3 Air-cooled (Upright and Pancake).
• Oil Holes: Precision-drilled to match factory oiling galleys.
• Included: Complete set of main bearings for one engine.

PRO TIPS

1. Triple-Check Your Measurements with a Micrometer

In the air-cooled VW world, you can never assume a case or crank is what the previous owner said it was. Before opening the bearing packaging, use a high-quality micrometer to measure your crankshaft journals and a dial bore gauge to measure the engine case bore. Since this specific set is for a .080 over case and a .030 under crank, the tolerances are extremely tight. If your measurements are off by even a thousandth of an inch, you risk oil starvation or catastrophic bearing seizure. Always perform a "dry fit" of the bearings in the case halves to ensure they seat fully and that the dowel pins align perfectly without binding.

2. Proper Dowel Pin and Oil Hole Alignment

One of the most common mistakes during a VW engine assembly is failing to properly align the bearing oil holes with the case galleys or failing to seat the bearing on the dowel pin. When installing these .080 over bearings, ensure the dowel pin in the case is not slightly mushroomed from previous rebuilds. The bearing must "click" into place. If the bearing is held up by the pin, the case halves will not torque down correctly, leading to a "pinched" bearing that will fail within minutes of startup. Double-check that the oil holes in the bearings are fully open and clear of any manufacturing burrs to ensure maximum lubrication to the crank.

3. Use High-Pressure Assembly Lube, Not Engine Oil

During the initial startup, your engine is at its most vulnerable. Standard motor oil is too thin to provide the necessary protection while the oil pump is priming the system. We highly recommend using a dedicated high-pressure assembly lube on the bearing surfaces during installation. This tacky lubricant stays in place and provides a protective barrier until the oil pressure stabilizes. Additionally, when using a .080 thrust bearing, ensure you check your crankshaft end-play accurately with a dial indicator. Proper end-play is critical for the longevity of the thrust surface on the #1 bearing, especially when using a heavy-duty pressure plate.