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

OVERVIEW

When you are deep into a high-performance engine build or restoring a vintage magnesium case that has seen decades of service, precision is the only thing standing between a reliable powerhouse and a catastrophic failure. These EMPI Main Bearings are engineered specifically for the most extreme machining scenarios, where the engine case has been bored .080 inches (2.00mm) over and the crankshaft has been ground .040 inches (1.00mm) under. In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, finding a bearing that accommodates a double-cut case and a heavily turned crank is essential for saving rare "OG" cases that would otherwise be destined for the scrap heap. These bearings provide the perfect oil clearance and structural integrity required to maintain consistent oil pressure, even under the high thermal loads inherent in the flat-four design.

Precision-manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, these bearings feature a specialized steel-backed construction with a high-grade Babbitt lining. This material composition is critical for "embedding" any microscopic debris that might circulate in the oil, preventing it from scoring your expensive crankshaft journals. The .080 thrust cut is particularly vital for cases that have suffered from "pounded out" thrust surfaces, a common issue in high-mileage Type 1 engines where the flywheel has hammered against the case. By utilizing this specific oversized thrust bearing, you can restore the fore-and-aft play of your crankshaft to factory tolerances, ensuring your clutch engagement remains smooth and your internal components stay perfectly aligned during every gear shift.

FITMENT

These main bearings are designed for Type 1 based engines. Please verify your machining measurements before ordering, as these are specific to heavily modified components. This set fits the following models:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1961 through 1979 (Standard and Super Beetle).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1961 through 1974.
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1961 through 1971 (1200cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc upright engines).
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1973.
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973 through 1974.
• Custom Applications: Sand rails, Dune Buggies, and Trikes utilizing Type 1 VW engine cases.

SPECS

Technical dimensions are critical for engine longevity. Ensure your machinist has confirmed these specific cuts on your components:

• Case Bore Diameter: .080 inches (2.00mm) Over Standard.
• Crankshaft Journal Diameter: .040 inches (1.00mm) Under Standard.
• Thrust Surface Width: .080 inches (2.00mm) Over Standard.
• Material: High-strength steel backing with premium alloy bearing surface.
• Engine Type: Volkswagen Type 1, 2, and 3 (1300cc to 1600cc based).
• Oil Holes: Pre-drilled for standard oil galley alignment.
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 111-198-49980.

PRO TIPS FROM THE SHOP

1. Double-Check Your Machinist''s Work: Never assume the machining matches the box. Before installing these bearings, use a high-quality micrometer to measure your crankshaft journals and a dial bore gauge to check your case bore. When the case is torqued to spec (without the crank inside), the internal diameter of the bearings should provide between .003 and .004 inches of oil clearance. If the fit is too tight, you risk spinning a bearing on the first startup; if it''s too loose, you''ll struggle with low oil pressure at idle once the engine reaches operating temperature.

2. Manage the Thrust Surface Properly: The .080 thrust cut is a significant amount of material removed from the case. When installing the number one bearing (the one closest to the flywheel), ensure the thrust faces are perfectly clean and free of burrs. Use a small amount of assembly lube on the faces but keep the backside of the bearing (where it touches the case) dry or very lightly oiled. This ensures the bearing "seats" correctly and doesn''t rotate within the case saddle, which is the primary cause of premature thrust failure in performance VW engines.

3. Cleanliness is Next to Godliness: Air-cooled VW oiling systems are sensitive. Before installing these bearings, blow out all oil galleys in the case with compressed air and brake cleaner. Even a tiny piece of metal shaving from the .080 case bore operation can lodge itself behind the bearing shell, creating a "high spot" that will wipe out your crank journal in minutes. Additionally, verify that the dowel pins in the case are seated deeply enough so they don''t "bottom out" in the bearing hole, which would prevent the case halves from sealing properly and cause a major internal oil leak.