Rod Bearing, .020, For Type 4 2000cc

OVERVIEW

When you are rebuilding a high-performance or stock Type 4 2000cc engine, the bottom end is the foundation of your entire build. These EMPI rod bearings are specifically engineered for crankshafts that have been precision-ground to a .020 inch (0.50mm) undersize. In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, the Type 4 engine is known for its incredible torque and durability, but it demands exacting tolerances to maintain oil pressure and longevity. These bearings provide the necessary clearance to restore your engine''s internal geometry to factory-spec performance, ensuring that your connecting rods glide smoothly over the crank journals without the risk of metal-on-metal contact or premature wear. Whether you are refreshing a tired daily driver or building a weekend cruiser, using high-quality replacement bearings is the only way to guarantee your engine survives the heat and stress of modern driving conditions.

Precision is everything when it comes to the internal combustion cycle of a Volkswagen Bus or Vanagon. These .020 undersize bearings are manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment standards, utilizing a multi-layer material construction that offers superior load-carrying capacity and excellent embeddability for any microscopic debris that might enter the oiling system. By choosing this complete set, you are investing in the heart of your Type 4 engine. These bearings are designed to handle the specific oiling requirements of the 2000cc platform, which features a more robust oiling system than its Type 1 predecessors. Don''t settle for "close enough" when it comes to your crank journals; ensure a perfect fit and a quiet, powerful engine with these EMPI rod bearings, backed by Appletree Auto''s commitment to air-cooled excellence.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 (2000cc Engine Only)
• Volkswagen Vanagon (Air-Cooled): 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 (2000cc Engine Only)
• Porsche 914: 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976 (2.0L Type 4 Engine)

SPECS

• Engine Type: Volkswagen Type 4 2000cc (2.0 Liter)
• Bearing Size: .020 Inch (0.50mm) Undersize
• Application: Connecting Rod Journals
• Quantity: Full Set (Enough for 4 Connecting Rods)
• Material: High-strength steel-backed alloy with Babbitt or Aluminum-Tin overlay
• Part Number: 039-105-713 (EMPI 00-39105-713)
• Precision: Engineered to OE tolerances for oil clearance and crush fit

PRO TIPS

1. Always Verify Your Crankshaft Measurements

Never assume the size of your crankshaft journals based on what was previously installed or what the machine shop told you over the phone. Before opening the bearing packaging, use a high-quality micrometer to measure each rod journal at multiple points to check for taper and out-of-roundness. For a .020 undersize bearing, your journal should be ground exactly .020 inches smaller than the original factory standard. If your measurements are off by even a thousandth of an inch, your oil pressure will suffer, or worse, you could seize a rod during the initial break-in period. Measure twice, build once!

2. Proper Cleaning and Dry-Back Installation

Cleanliness is the most critical factor during engine assembly. Use a lint-free cloth and brake cleaner to ensure the connecting rod bores and the backs of the bearings are completely free of oil, grease, or dust. It is a common mistake to lubricate the back of the bearing; however, the bearing shell relies on a "dry" friction fit (crush) against the rod to stay in place. Only apply high-quality engine assembly lube to the "face" of the bearing where it contacts the crankshaft journal. This ensures that the bearing doesn''t spin within the rod while providing immediate lubrication upon the first start-up.

3. Check Your Rod Bolt Torque and Stretch

The Type 4 2000cc engine uses robust rod bolts, but they are subject to extreme stress. When installing these bearings, always check your connecting rods for "big-end" roundness while torqued to spec without the crankshaft in place. If you are reusing old rod bolts, ensure they have not stretched beyond their service limit. We highly recommend using new rod bolts whenever possible. Follow the factory torque sequence and values strictly. Once the rods are installed on the crank with the new bearings, ensure that each rod has the proper side-to-side "end play" to allow for thermal expansion and oil flow.