Main Bearings, Std Case, Std Crank, Std Thrust, Steel Backed

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the internal health of your air-cooled Volkswagen engine, there is no room for compromise. These EMPI Main Bearings are designed for engines where the original factory tolerances have been preserved, specifically requiring a Standard Case, Standard Crankshaft, and Standard Thrust configuration. As any master engine builder will tell you, the main bearings are the literal foundation of your bottom end, supporting the crankshaft as it converts combustion energy into rotational force. Utilizing a "Standard/Standard/Standard" set means your engine case has not been line-bored, your crankshaft journals have not been turned down, and your case thrust surface remains at the original factory width. This setup is the gold standard for fresh builds using new components or low-mileage teardowns where the hardware is still within original German specifications.

These EMPI bearings feature an aluminum-backed construction, which is preferred by many modern builders for its excellent heat dissipation properties and resistance to fatigue under high-load conditions. In the demanding environment of an air-cooled enginewhere oil temperatures can fluctuate and cooling is reliant on airflowhaving a bearing material that can withstand thermal expansion while maintaining a consistent oil film is vital. Whether you are restoring a classic 1600cc Beetle for daily commuting or assembling a reliable weekend cruiser, these bearings provide the precision fitment required to ensure long-lasting oil pressure and a smooth-running rotating assembly. Don''t risk your entire engine build on inferior components; trust the brand that has been a staple in the VW community for decades to keep your flat-four humming for miles to come.

FITMENT

This main bearing set is designed for the Volkswagen Type 1, 2, and 3 air-cooled engines (1200cc-1600cc based). Please verify your case and crank dimensions before ordering.

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1961-1979 (40hp, 1300cc, 1500cc, 1600cc)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1961-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1961-1971 (Type 2 with Type 1 based engine)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962-1973
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes using VW Type 1 engine cases.

SPECS

• Part Number: 111-198-461
• Case Bore Size: Standard (65.00mm)
• Crankshaft Journal Size: Standard (50.00mm)
• Thrust Cut Size: Standard (22.00mm)
• Material: High-grade Steel-backed Aluminum Alloy
• Bearing Type: Full set for all main journals (includes split bearing)
• Engine Application: 40hp through 1600cc Dual Port
• Compatibility: Compatible with both Magnesium and Aluminum engine cases

PRO TIPS

1. Always Measure Twice and Order Once

The biggest mistake an engine builder can make is assuming their case or crank is "Standard" just because it looks clean. Before installing these bearings, you must use a high-quality micrometer to measure your crankshaft journals and a dial bore gauge to check the engine case main saddles. Even a case that has never been machined can "squish" over time, leading to an out-of-round bore. If your measurements don''t match the Standard/Standard/Standard specs exactly, you will experience a loss of oil pressure or, worse, a seized engine. Never trust the markings on old bearings; always verify the physical hardware dimensions yourself.

2. Proper Alignment with Dowel Pins

When installing these main bearings into the case halves, pay extremely close attention to the dowel pin holes. The bearings must seat perfectly over the pins located in the engine case. If a bearing is slightly misaligned and you torque the case halves together, the pin will crush the bearing shell, ruining the bearing and potentially damaging the case saddle. We recommend a "dry fit" without the crank first to ensure the bearings seat fully. Also, ensure the oil holes in the bearings align perfectly with the oil galleries in the case to ensure the crankshaft receives a constant supply of pressurized lubricant.

3. Use High-Quality Assembly Lube

Dry starts are the leading cause of premature bearing failure in newly rebuilt VW engines. When you are ready for final assembly, coat the inner surface of the bearings (the side touching the crank) with a dedicated high-pressure assembly lube. Do not just use standard motor oil, as it can run off the surfaces while the engine sits during the rest of the build. The assembly lube provides a critical protective barrier during those first few seconds of rotation before the oil pump has had a chance to prime the system and provide full hydrodynamic lubrication. Additionally, ensure the case saddles are surgically clean before the bearings are laid in; even a tiny speck of dust can create a "high spot" on the bearing surface.