Rod Bearing, .020 Under, for Chevy Journal, Premium

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing the limits of air-cooled performance, the transition to a Chevy journal crankshaft is a legendary move for a reason. By utilizing the 2.000-inch Chevy rod pin diameter instead of the standard Volkswagen size, engine builders gain the critical clearance needed for long-stroke applications while opening the door to a massive variety of high-strength connecting rods. These EMPI Premium Rod Bearings, specifically ground for a .020-inch undersize, are the gold standard for enthusiasts who are resurrecting a high-performance crank that has been precision-turned to restore its journal surfaces. Designed to handle the extreme cylinder pressures of high-compression street engines, turbocharged monsters, and rugged off-road race buggies, these bearings provide the structural integrity and heat dissipation required to keep your rotating assembly spinning smoothly at high RPMs.

The "Premium" designation on these EMPI bearings isn''t just a marketing label; it represents a commitment to superior metallurgy and exacting tolerances. Unlike standard consumer-grade bearings, these components feature a multi-layer construction designed to offer the perfect balance of embeddability and fatigue resistance. This means the bearing is soft enough to allow microscopic contaminants to embed without scoring the crank, yet strong enough to resist "squish" or deformation under the heavy load of a stroker engine''s power stroke. Whether you are building a weekend warrior or a dedicated drag car, these .020 undersize bearings ensure that your oil film remains consistent and your oil pressure stays rock solid, protecting your investment from the inside out.

FITMENT

These bearings are designed for custom high-performance Volkswagen air-cooled engines utilizing a crankshaft with Chevy journals (2.000" nominal diameter) that has been ground .020" under. They are compatible with the following applications when equipped with the appropriate performance crankshaft and rods:

Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle, Ghia, and Thing (Custom Stroker Engines) Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, and Kombi (Performance Upgrades) Volkswagen Type 3: Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback (Performance Upgrades) Sand Rails & Dune Buggies: All custom VW-based engine builds using Chevy journal rods Meyers Manx: Traditional and modern kit builds with stroker powerplants

SPECS

Manufacturer: EMPI Premium Series Part Number: 00-8303-0 Journal Type: Chevy (Commonly used on VW Stroker Cranks) Journal Diameter: 2.000 inches (Nominal) Undersize Increment: .020 inch (0.50mm) Bearing Grade: Premium Tri-Metal Construction Quantity: Complete set for 4 connecting rods (8 halves) Compatibility: Fits VW rods or aftermarket rods designed for Chevy journals Finish: Precision-machined with high-flow oiling features

PRO TIPS

PRO TIP 1: Precision Measurement is Non-Negotiable. Before you even think about sliding these bearings into your rods, you must verify your crank journal dimensions with a micrometer. A .020-under grind must be exact. After installing the bearings into the rods and torquing the rod bolts to spec (without the crank), use a dial bore gauge to check your oil clearance. For a high-performance air-cooled VW engine, you typically want to see between .0015 and .0025 inches of clearance. Never rely on "feel" when building a performance bottom end; the math must be perfect to ensure longevity.

PRO TIP 2: Mind the Chamfer and Tang Orientation. When installing these premium bearings into your connecting rods, pay close attention to the orientation of the bearing tangs and the chamfer on the edge of the bearing. Many performance rods and cranks have a specific radius or "fillet" where the journal meets the crank web. The bearing must be installed so that the chamfered side faces the crank fillet. If you install them backward, the bearing will "ride" the radius, leading to immediate localized heat, oil starvation, and catastrophic engine failure within minutes of startup.

PRO TIP 3: Proper Lubrication and Break-In. During the assembly process, use a high-quality, high-pressure engine assembly lubenot just standard motor oil. This ensures that during those first few critical seconds before the oil pump primes the system, the bearings are protected from metal-on-metal contact. Furthermore, for the first start-up, we highly recommend using a high-zinc (ZDDP) break-in oil. Air-cooled engines run hotter than their water-cooled counterparts, and the extra zinc provides a sacrificial layer of protection for the bearings and the camshaft during the initial heat cycles.