EMPI New Forged Connecting Rods — Set of 4 | Air-Cooled VW Type 1 1300-1600cc (98-0153-B)

EMPI New Forged Connecting Rods — Set of 4 (Air-Cooled VW Type 1, 1300–1600cc)

A set of 4 brand-new forged connecting rods for the air-cooled VW Type 1 engine, made to factory specifications. Connecting rods are the vital link between piston and crankshaft, and worn rods are a costly risk in any rebuild. Replace them with new forged units rather than reusing tired originals.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Beetle / Super Beetle: Type 1 engine, 1300–1600cc
• VW Bus (Type 1 engine), Karmann Ghia, Type 3, Thing: 1300–1600cc

Why Choose EMPI?

EMPI is one of the longest-running names in the air-cooled VW aftermarket. These rods are forged and made to factory specifications for a dependable, correct-fit replacement in stock and performance rebuilds.

Key Features & Benefits

• New, not reused: brand-new rods eliminate the risk of reusing fatigued originals
• Forged construction: made to factory specifications for strength and correct fit
• Stock VW journal: factory-spec replacement for 1300–1600cc Type 1 engines
• Complete set: sold as a matched set of 4

Technical Specifications

• EMPI Part #: 98-0153-B
• Alternate Part #: 311-105-401B
• Construction: Forged, made to factory specifications
• Sold as: Set of 4

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many rods are included? A complete set of 4.
• What is the part number? EMPI 98-0153-B (alternate 311-105-401B).
• What engines do these fit? Air-cooled VW Type 1 engines from 1300–1600cc.

Installation

• Rod bolt torque: 30 ft-lbs

Explore Related Categories

Browse more Engine Parts, our full Engine catalog, and parts for the Air-Cooled VW.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. All parts legal for use on pre-pollution controlled vehicles only.

Rebuild Notes

This is a component-level part intended for use as part of a full engine rebuild or top-end service — verify it against your specific case, crank, or cylinder head measurements before final assembly, and always follow the torque and clearance specs in a proper VW Type 1 workshop manual. Reusing worn mating hardware alongside a new part like this can shorten its service life, so inspect surrounding components while you're in there.

The Washburn's Metal Difference

Washburn's Metal is a family-run air-cooled VW & Porsche specialist shop — every part we sell is inspected before it ships, and our team is on hand by phone or email if you have a fitment question before or after you order. We stand behind what we sell: if a part doesn't fit as described, reach out and we'll make it right.