EMPI 1914cc Turn-Key Engine — H.D. Aluminum Case, Dyno-Tested

Short answer: This is EMPI's 98-0499-0 complete, dyno-tested 1914cc turn-key engine on an H.D. aluminum bubble-top case, for the 1954–1977 Beetle, 1971–1979 Super Beetle, 1956–1974 Karmann Ghia, 1955–1971 Bus, 1973–1974 Thing and buggies running a 12-volt 200mm flywheel. Add your exhaust and clutch; it does not fit Type 3 or the 1972-and-later Type 4 Bus.

The EMPI 1914cc Turn-Key delivers real street performance with zero build hassle — it arrives dyno-tested and tuned, ready to drop in. It is a 100% new engine built on EMPI's H.D. aluminum "Bubble Top" case with AutoLinea heads and a 3-angle valve job done in Anaheim.

Add your exhaust and clutch and you're running. Backed by a 12-month / unlimited-mileage warranty. No core required.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Beetle: 1954–1977. Straight swap on 1971–1977 12-volt cars; earlier cars need a 12-volt conversion, and 180mm-flywheel bellhousings need clearancing for the 200mm flywheel.
• VW Super Beetle: 1971–1979 — sedan through 1975, Convertible through 1979.
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956–1974, coupe and convertible.
• VW Bus / Transporter (Type 2): 1955–1971 only. The 1972-and-later US Bus is a Type 4 car — this is a Type 1 engine and it does not fit one.
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973–1974 — the only two model years the Thing was sold in the US.
• Buggy, sand rail, Baja and kit car: any build running a 12-volt 200mm flywheel.
• Not confirmed: 6-volt / 6-dowel flywheel setups without conversion; VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback), which needs its own pancake cooling tin and oil-cooler layout; anything with a Type 4 engine.

Key Features & Benefits

• 100% new: No core required; dyno-tested and tuned
• 1914cc displacement: 94mm bore × 69mm stroke
• Case: AutoLinea-EMPI H.D. aluminum "Bubble Top". If you want 1914cc on an AS41 magnesium case, that is EMPI 98-0505-B (with heat).
• AutoLinea dual-port heads: OSVAT OE-style valves with a proprietary 3-angle valve job (EMPI Anaheim)
• EMPI HEI ignition: Electronic ignition, no points to set
• Charging & fuel: New 55-amp alternator and new EMPI 40K carburetor kit
• Complete package: New sheet metal and PennGrade 1 break-in oil included

Technical Specifications

• Displacement: 1914cc
• Bore × stroke: 94mm × 69mm — the standard air-cooled Type 1 1914cc combination
• Case: AutoLinea-EMPI H.D. aluminum "Bubble Top"
• Crankshaft: Direct-drilled, 69mm stroke
• Heads: AutoLinea dual port, OSVAT valves, 3-angle job
• Ignition: EMPI HEI
• Carburetor: EMPI 40K kit
• Alternator: 55 amp
• Flywheel: 12V 200mm
• Break-in: Required — see the break-in note below
• Core charge: None. No core required
• Part Number: 98-0499-0
• UPC: 707924581652
• Country of Origin: USA
• Shipping Weight: 280 lb (palletized, crated) — LTL freight, ground only
• Crate size: 36 × 36 × 36 in (EMPI published)
• Warranty: 12 months / unlimited mileage

Break-In — Read This Before You Start It

This engine is dyno-tested and tuned before it ships, but it still needs a proper street break-in — that is why PennGrade 1 break-in oil comes in the crate. Run it on that oil, then change it and re-adjust the valves to factory spec early; 50 miles is the shop standard on a fresh air-cooled motor. After that, keep the revs varied, stay off sustained high rpm and full-throttle pulls for the first several hundred miles, and never lug it. Running the wrong oil or lugging a new engine is the fastest way to lose both the motor and the warranty on it. EMPI does not publish a separate turn-key break-in sheet — call us and we will walk you through it.

How It Ships

This is a complete engine on a pallet: shrink-wrapped and crated at roughly 280 lb in a 36 × 36 × 36 in crate, moving by LTL freight, ground only. A crated engine cannot travel by air. We arrange the freight quote and the delivery appointment with you; plan on a lift gate or a forklift at the receiving end.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this a complete, running engine? Yes — 100% new, dyno-tested and tuned, ready to install. Add exhaust and clutch.
• What displacement is it? 1914cc.
• What are the bore and stroke? 94mm bore × 69mm stroke.
• Mag or aluminum case? Aluminum — EMPI's H.D. "Bubble Top" case. For 1914cc on an AS41 magnesium case, see EMPI 98-0505-B.
• Will it fit my 1975 Bus? No. A 1972-and-later US Bus uses the Type 4 engine. This Type 1 engine fits Buses through 1971.
• Does it fit a VW Thing? Yes — 1973 and 1974, the only years the Thing was sold in the US.
• Does it need a break-in? Yes. Run the PennGrade 1 break-in oil it ships with, change it and re-adjust the valves at about 50 miles, and stay off sustained high rpm for the first several hundred miles.
• Do I need a core? No core required.
• Is there a warranty? Yes — 12 months / unlimited mileage.
• How does this ship? Palletized and crated at about 280 lb in a 36 × 36 × 36 in crate, by LTL freight, ground only. We arrange the freight quote and delivery appointment.
• What is the part number? EMPI 98-0499-0 (UPC 707924581652).
• Are you an authorized EMPI dealer? Yes. Washburn's Metal is an authorized EMPI dealer, so this is new, genuine EMPI stock with full factory support.

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WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.