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

OVERVIEW

When you are rebuilding a classic air-cooled Volkswagen engine, the foundation of your build relies entirely on the precision and quality of your main bearings. These Silverline steel-backed main bearings are engineered to provide the ultimate durability and oil pressure consistency for your Type 1, 2, or 3 engine. Designed specifically for a standard-sized engine case combined with a crankshaft that has been ground .030 inches (0.75mm) undersize, these bearings bridge the gap between worn-out components and a high-performing, reliable powerplant. As a master specialist, I cannot stress enough that using high-quality, steel-backed bearings like these is the only way to ensure your engine survives the heat and stresses of modern driving conditions. Silverline has long been the industry standard for engine builders who demand longevity, offering superior embeddability for any microscopic debris and excellent heat dissipation across the crankshaft journals.

Selecting the correct bearing size is a critical step in the machining process of any VW rebuild. This particular set is intended for those who have a "Standard" casemeaning the main bearing saddles in your magnesium or aluminum case have not been line-boredbut require a .030" undersize on the crankshaft journals due to previous wear or scoring. With a standard thrust surface, these bearings maintain the factory-specified fore-and-aft movement of the crankshaft, ensuring your flywheel and clutch assembly operate smoothly without excessive play. Whether you are restoring a vintage Beetle for weekend shows or building a rugged engine for a Baja bug, these EMPI-sourced Silverline bearings provide the exact tolerances required to keep your oil pressure high and your internal friction low. Investing in the right bearings now prevents catastrophic engine failure down the road, making this set a mandatory component for any serious air-cooled enthusiast''s workbench.

FITMENT

This main bearing set is designed for VW air-cooled Type 1 based engines (1200cc to 1600cc) with a standard case bore, a .030" ground crank, and a standard thrust cut. Fits the following models:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1961 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1961 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1961 through 1971 (Type 2 with 1600cc based engines)
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1962 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Dune Buggies and Sand Rails: All models utilizing a Type 1 VW engine case

SPECS

• Brand: Silverline (Steel-Backed)
• Part Number: 111-198-467
• Case Diameter: Standard (Stock Case Bore)
• Crankshaft Journal Diameter: .030 inches (0.75mm) Undersize
• Thrust Surface Width: Standard (Stock)
• Construction: High-strength steel backing with a premium alloy bearing surface
• Engine Compatibility: 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc Type 1 based upright engines
• Quantity: Complete set for one engine (includes all main journals)
• Manufacturing Location: Mexico

PRO TIPS

1. Cleanliness and Oil Gallery Preparation

Before you even think about laying these bearings into your case, you must ensure that the engine case and the oil galleries are surgically clean. In the air-cooled world, "clean enough" is never actually enough. I always recommend removing the oil gallery plugs and running a long brush through every passage with solvent, followed by high-pressure compressed air. Any leftover machining shavings from a crankshaft grind or debris from a previous engine failure will head straight for your brand-new Silverline bearings. Once the case is prepped, handle the bearings with lint-free gloves. Even the oils from your skin can attract dust that might mar the bearing surface during the initial startup.

2. Verify Sizing with a Micrometer

Never assume that your machinist or the packaging is 100% correct without double-checking the measurements yourself. Use a high-quality micrometer to measure your crankshaft journals to ensure they have been ground exactly .030" under the factory specification. Likewise, check the bearing saddles in your case for any signs of "pounding" or ovality. If the case is not perfectly round, even the best bearings won''t save the engine. A quick "dry fit" of the bearings and the crank with a small amount of Plastigage can provide the peace of mind that your oil clearances are within the 0.001" to 0.003" range required for a long-lasting engine.

3. Proper Dowel Pin Alignment

One of the most common mistakes I see in VW engine assembly is the misalignment of the bearing dowel pins. The main bearings feature specific holes that must line up perfectly with the pins in the engine case. If a bearing is not seated correctly on the pin, when you torque the case halves together, you will crush the bearing shell and permanently damage both the bearing and potentially the engine case. Before applying assembly lube, place the bearings on the pins and ensure they "snap" into place and sit completely flush. Once you are certain of the alignment, use a high-tack assembly lubricant to provide protection for those first critical seconds of the engine''s life before the oil pump builds full pressure.