This is an original German VW camshaft gear for all 1200cc–1600cc air-cooled VW engines — the steel helical-cut gear that mounts on the camshaft and drives valve train timing in the Beetle, Bus, Karmann Ghia, Type 3, and Thing from 1961 through 1979. OEM part number 113-109-021 (suffix D or G). 24 teeth, three-bolt mounting, woodruff keyway. Genuine VW factory-stamped. Sold as a single gear.

Part Numbers

VW OEM: 113 109 021 · 113109021 · 113-109-021
Suffix variants: 113109021D · 113109021G — same bolt pattern and 24-tooth count, interchangeable on 1961–1979 standard engines
Also known as: VW cam gear, camshaft timing gear, air-cooled cam gear, Type 1 cam gear

Vehicle Fitment

Confirm fitment against your engine case number and date code before installing. If your engine was rebuilt with a non-standard cam, verify bolt-on vs. press-on style before ordering.

Specifications

What Is Included

One (1) original German VW camshaft gear. No mounting bolts, no woodruff key, no camshaft included.

Why the Right Cam Gear Matters

The camshaft gear is a precision timing component. Even minor tooth wear or pitch inconsistency causes valve timing drift — affecting idle quality, power, and fuel economy across the entire RPM range. Original German steel gears were manufactured to tighter tolerances than most modern reproductions. The helical tooth profile distributes load more evenly and runs noticeably quieter than a straight-cut gear. For a correct or numbers-matching engine build, there is no substitute for the OEM piece. Reproductions in steel and aluminum exist, but firsthand experience shows early tooth wear and looser tolerances affect long-term reliability on rebuilt engines.

Installation Notes

• Always pair a new camshaft with a fresh cam gear — worn teeth accelerate wear on a new cam.
• Use the woodruff key to lock timing position; confirm TDC alignment before final torque.
• Use new Grade 8 cam gear bolts (three-bolt pattern) — do not reuse old fasteners.
• Consult a Bentley workshop manual for torque specs specific to your engine series.
• Inspect this gear carefully before installation — verify wear is within tolerance for your build.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engines does this VW camshaft gear fit?

This gear fits all 1200cc–1600cc air-cooled VW Type 1 engines used in the Beetle (1961–1979), Bus (1961–1979), Karmann Ghia (1961–1974), Type 3 (1962–1973), and Thing (1973–1974). It does not fit pre-1961 25hp or 30hp engines — those use part number 111-109-111.

What is the VW part number for the air-cooled camshaft gear?

The OEM part number is 113-109-021 (also written 113109021 or 113 109 021). Suffix variants D and G denote production revisions but share the same bolt pattern and 24-tooth count — all are interchangeable on standard 1961–1979 engines.

Is this a reproduction or original German VW cam gear?

This is an original German-manufactured VW camshaft gear with the factory VW stamp on the face — not an aftermarket reproduction. Sold individually as old stock or carefully inspected pull-out units.

How many teeth does the VW air-cooled camshaft gear have?

The standard 1961–1979 VW air-cooled camshaft gear has 24 teeth. The helical cut distributes load more evenly and runs noticeably quieter than a straight-cut gear.

Can I use this cam gear with an aftermarket camshaft?

Yes — the original steel gear is compatible with most bolt-on aftermarket camshafts for air-cooled VW engines. If you are running a press-on cam, verify compatibility with your cam supplier before ordering.

Does this cam gear fit a 1967 VW Beetle?

Yes. A 1967 VW Beetle runs a standard 1200cc or 1500cc Type 1 air-cooled engine, fully within the 1961–1979 fitment range for part number 113-109-021.

California Prop 65 Warning: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.