Hastings Piston Ring Set | VW Type 1 1600cc | 85.5mm 2×2×5 Chrome (98-1236-B)

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Regular price $49.99
Product details
  • Vendor HASTINGS
  • SKU 98-1236-B
  • Fits
    • All Years|VW|Beetle (1600cc engine)
    • All Years|VW|Bus
    • All Years|VW|Karmann Ghia
    • All Years|VW|Thing

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Hastings Piston Ring Set — 85.5mm Bore, 2×2×5 Chrome | VW Type 1 1600cc Stock Bore

Hastings piston ring set for 85.5 mm bore VW air-cooled engines. Chrome compression rings — Hastings' upgrade material for longer life, better wear resistance, and reduced break-in time compared to cast iron. Complete set for a 4-cylinder engine.

Vehicle Fitment

  • VW Type 1 (Beetle): stock 1600cc, 85.5 mm bore
  • VW Karmann Ghia: stock 1600cc, 85.5 mm bore
  • VW Type 2 (Bus): 85.5 mm bore application
  • VW Thing: 85.5 mm bore application

The most common stock displacement bore for air-cooled VWs from 1970 onward. Pair with matching 85.5 mm pistons during a rebuild.

Why Choose Hastings?

Hastings has been making piston rings in the United States since 1915. Their cast iron and chrome ring sets are a long-standing standard for air-cooled VW engine rebuilds — known for consistent quality and tight gap tolerances out of the box.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Chrome compression rings: longer life, better wear resistance, and reduced break-in time compared to cast iron.
  • Complete engine set: covers all four cylinders.
  • Tight gap tolerances: consistent quality out of the box.

Technical Specifications

  • EMPI Part #: 98-1236-B
  • Bore: 85.5 mm
  • Material: Chrome compression rings
  • Sold as: Set covers 4 cylinders (one complete engine)

Ring Stack — read before ordering

Hastings rings are specified by their groove widths in millimeters, in the order top compression / second compression / oil control:

  • Top compression: 2 mm
  • Second compression: 2 mm
  • Oil control: 5 mm
  • Material: Chrome compression rings

Confirm the ring groove widths cut into your pistons match this stack before ordering. Mismatched ring stacks will not seat properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What engine size does this fit? The 85.5 mm bore is the stock 1600cc VW Type 1 displacement — the most common stock bore for air-cooled VWs from 1970 onward.
  • Why chrome instead of cast iron? Chrome rings offer longer life, better wear resistance, and reduced break-in time compared to cast iron.
  • How do I confirm it fits my pistons? Match the groove widths cut into your pistons to the 2×2×5 ring stack (2 mm / 2 mm / 5 mm) before ordering.

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