Remember that sinking feeling when you're deep into a VW engine rebuild and the deck height is off? Maybe the crank stroke increased a hair, or you surfaced the case for flatness—sudden mismatch. Instead of shipping cylinders off for custom machining (hello, weeks of downtime and extra costs), grab these EMPI cylinder shims. They're your straightforward fix for air-cooled VW engines in Bugs, Super Beetles, Karmann Ghias, Buses, Type 3s, Things, and dune buggies.
Crafted from durable steel, each shim measures 94mm inside diameter with a precise 0.040-inch (1mm) thickness. That's the sweet spot for most common adjustments. They're pre-clearanced for both 8mm and 10mm studs, though a quick file touch-up might be needed depending on your setup. Sold as a set of four, you have extras for trial-fitting or future tweaks. No more guessing games—stack them as needed for spot-on squish height.
Why steel? It holds up under the heat and pressure of combustion without warping, ensuring your rings seal perfectly against the head. This means better compression, less blow-by, and an engine that revs cleaner across the RPM range.
Picture this: You're wrenching on your '72 Super Beetle over a weekend. Drop in the pistons, add a shim or two, torque down the heads—bam, 0.040-inch deck clearance verified with a wire gauge. Or take your dune buggy out on the sand dunes; these shims compensated for that stroker crank, keeping power delivery punchy without hotspots.
Bus owners love them for restoring that stock feel post-case machining. Ghia enthusiasts dial in performance builds without compromising reliability. Even if you're not racing, maintaining proper deck height fights oil consumption and boosts longevity—your VW will thank you with miles of trouble-free driving.
These aren't gimmicks—they're the reliable workhorses pros and hobbyists reach for. Compatible across the VW air-cooled family, they're in stock and ready to ship. Dial in your engine today and feel the difference in throttle response and smoothness. Your classic ride deserves this level of precision.
