Rocker Arm Assembly, 1.25 Ratio, Forged, for Aircooled VW

OVERVIEW

Unlock the hidden potential of your air-cooled engine with the EMPI High-Performance Forged Rocker Arm Assembly. Engineered for the serious VW enthusiast, this 1.25 ratio rocker kit provides a significant boost in valve lift without the labor-intensive requirement of splitting the case to install a high-lift camshaft. By increasing the leverage ratio from the stock 1.1:1 to 1.25:1, these forged rockers allow your engine to breathe deeper, pull harder through the mid-range, and sustain higher RPMs with greater efficiency. Whether you are running a mild 1600cc street engine or a more aggressive dual-carbureted stroker build, these rockers are the most cost-effective way to increase volumetric efficiency and horsepower while maintaining the reliability of your existing cam profile.

Durability is the cornerstone of this assembly. Unlike stock cast rockers that can flex or even shatter under the stress of high-lift applications and stiff performance valve springs, these EMPI units are constructed from high-strength forged steel. The kit comes complete with heavy-duty billet rocker shafts, which eliminate the snap-ring and wavy washer failures common in factory setups. Furthermore, the inclusion of swivel-foot (elephant foot) adjusting screws ensures that the pressure applied to the valve stem is perfectly centered and distributed, drastically reducing side-loading and premature guide wear. This is a comprehensive valve train upgrade designed to provide a stable, high-revving platform for any performance-oriented Volkswagen engine.

FITMENT

This rocker arm assembly is designed for Type 1 based air-cooled engines and fits a wide variety of Volkswagen models. Please note that high-ratio rockers often require the use of performance valve springs and a check of the total valve travel to prevent coil bind.

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1954 through 1971 (Type 2)
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1962 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973 through 1974 (Type 181)
• Engine Compatibility: 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based upright engines (Single Port and Dual Port)

SPECS

• Part Number: 21-2162-0
• Rocker Ratio: 1.25:1 High-Lift Ratio
• Material: High-Strength Forged Steel Rocker Arms
• Shaft Design: Billet Steel Rocker Shafts (Bolt-On Style)
• Adjuster Type: Swivel-Foot "Elephant Foot" Adjusting Screws
• Mounting Hardware: High-Tensile Studs and Heavy-Duty Billet Mounting Blocks included
• Finish: Heat-Treated and Ground for precision tolerances
• Kit Contents: 8 Forged Rockers, 2 Billet Shafts, 4 Mounting Blocks, 8 Swivel Adjusters, and Mounting Studs
• Note: Rocker stand shims are NOT included and must be purchased separately for geometry correction.

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Geometry Correction

When switching from a stock 1.1:1 ratio to a 1.25:1 ratio, your valve train geometry will change. It is absolutely critical to check that the rocker arm is at the midpoint of its travel when the valve is at half-lift. You will likely need to install rocker stand shims (sold separately) to raise the assembly and ensure the swivel foot makes a flat, centered contact with the valve stem. Failure to correct geometry can lead to snapped valve stems, accelerated guide wear, or even pushrod failure. Always use an adjustable pushrod to find your new required length after the geometry is set. Don''t skip this step if you want your engine to last!

2. Verify Valve Spring Clearance and Coil Bind

Because these rockers increase the valve lift by approximately 14%, you must verify that your valve springs can handle the extra travel. If you are using stock valve springs, you run a high risk of "coil bind," where the spring coils compress completely against each other before the rocker reaches full lift. This will result in immediate and catastrophic engine damage, usually snapping the rocker shaft or bending a pushrod. We strongly recommend upgrading to high-quality single or dual high-rev valve springs and checking the distance between the retainer and the valve seal at full lift to ensure at least .060'' of clearance remains.

3. Proper Lubrication and Initial Break-In

During the installation of your new forged rocker assembly, use a high-moly assembly lube on all contact surfaces, including the rocker shafts, the swivel feet, and the tips of the pushrods. Since these rockers use a bolt-on shaft design, ensure the oil holes in the shafts are oriented correctly to allow oil to flow from the cylinder head through the rocker arms. After the first 500 miles, it is vital to remove the valve covers, re-torque the rocker stand nuts, and re-adjust your valves to .004'' or .006'' (depending on your pushrod material). Regular inspection of the swivel feet ensures they are rotating freely and providing the low-friction operation they were designed for.