Rocker Arm Assembly, 1.4 Ratio, Forged, for Aircooled VW

OVERVIEW

Unlock the hidden horsepower within your air-cooled engine with the EMPI 1.4 Ratio Forged Rocker Arm Assembly. This high-performance upgrade is designed for the serious VW enthusiast who wants to increase valve lift and improve volumetric efficiency without the labor-intensive process of splitting the case to install a high-lift camshaft. By increasing the rocker ratio to 1.4:1, you effectively increase the lift of your existing camshaft, allowing your engine to breathe deeper and produce significantly more power in the mid-to-high RPM range. Whether you are building a spirited street cruiser or a weekend drag racer, these forged rockers provide the mechanical advantage necessary to maximize the potential of your cylinder heads.

Durability is the cornerstone of any Appletree-approved performance part, and these rockers do not disappoint. Unlike stock cast rockers that can flex or even fail under the high-pressure demands of performance valve springs, these units are forged from high-strength chromoly steel for maximum rigidity. The kit comes as a complete bolt-on assembly, featuring heavy-duty rocker shafts and solid spacers that eliminate the prone-to-failure stock wavy washers and clips. This "solid" design ensures that your rocker arms stay perfectly aligned over the valve stems, even at high engine speeds, reducing friction and preventing premature wear on your valvetrain components. It is the ultimate insurance policy for your engine''s top end.

FITMENT

These 1.4 ratio forged rocker assemblies are designed for Type 1 based air-cooled engines. Detailed fitment includes:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1966-1977 (1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based engines).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1966-1974.
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1963-1971 (1500cc and 1600cc engines).
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1964-1973.
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973-1974.
• Custom Builds: Fits most 1600cc based stroker engines and performance long blocks.

SPECS

Technical specifications for the EMPI 20189S Rocker Assembly:

• Rocker Ratio: 1.4 to 1 (Increases valve lift by approximately 40% over stock).
• Material: Forged Chromoly Steel for superior strength and minimal flex.
• Shaft Design: Heavy-duty bolt-on rocker shafts (eliminates snap rings).
• Adjusters: Includes high-quality swivel-foot adjusters for improved surface contact.
• Spacers: Solid aluminum spacers included to replace stock spring washers.
• Compatibility: Designed for use with 1600cc and larger dual-port or single-port Type 1 heads.
• Finish: Heat-treated and polished surfaces for reduced friction and long-term durability.

PRO TIPS

1. Verify Valvetrain Geometry

When switching to a 1.4 ratio rocker, your valvetrain geometry will change significantly. It is absolutely critical to check your pushrod length. Because the rocker arm geometry is different from stock, you will almost certainly need custom-length chromoly pushrods to ensure the rocker arm tip or swivel foot is centered on the valve stem at half-lift. Improper geometry can lead to side-loading the valve stems, which will quickly destroy your valve guides and could lead to catastrophic engine failure.

2. Check for Coil Bind and Clearance

Adding more lift means your valve springs will compress further than they did with stock 1.1:1 rockers. Before firing up the engine, you must manually rotate the assembly to check for "coil bind"ensuring the spring coils do not touch each other at full lift. Additionally, check for "rocker-to-retainer" clearance and ensure the rockers do not hit the inside of your valve covers. You may need to use bolt-on aluminum valve covers or clearanced stock covers to accommodate the larger physical profile of the forged assemblies.

3. Proper Lubrication and Break-In

During installation, don''t rely solely on the engine''s oil system for initial lubrication. Apply a high-quality assembly lube with a high ZDDP (zinc) content to the rocker shafts, the adjuster feet, and the pushrod ends. After installation, it is wise to prime the oil system or use a break-in oil for the first few heat cycles. This ensures that the new forged surfaces and swivel adjusters seat properly against your existing components, preventing "galling" or premature scoring during those first critical minutes of operation.