The Project Pad

Got a question for anyone that had any experience building the 07k or Newer VW engines .

My goal is to figure out exactly what to order here to build this bottom end right .
I ordered a set of ACL race bearings , P/N :
6M5563H - STD , and a plastigauge Set.

I’m finding some info that says that the main bearings are color coded, I don’t see exactly where this is . So what I’m unsure about is if I can plan just using the set of king bearings I ordered for standard size - or if I need to take the block and have it line honed to do that .

I disassembled the engine and now I have a bare block, I kept track and marked all the mains and caps in order .

I guess a good plan might to be measure everything with the new bearings first and see where I’m at .

This reminds me I also need to do the 360 degree thrust bearing mod so sill have to verify I actually got the right bearing

There is a stamping on the block that shows what color(Size) bearings it requires. I've just been re-using the OEM bearings, they are almost always in very good shape.

But instead of doing this dance, it may be worth doing studs, and a line hone done to fit a standard size bearing.

audifreakjim wrote:There is a stamping on the block that shows what color(Size) bearings it requires. I've just been re-using the OEM bearings, they are almost always in very good shape.

But instead of doing this dance, it may be worth doing studs, and a line hone done to fit a standard size bearing.

Hey Jim, thanks for the reply. That's a good point, I guess I could also considering re-using these, this is a low mileage engine in great shape.

Alex found some info from a guy who builds TTRS engines that the factory tolerances are very tight and he said he likes to open them up. (see below)

I have a set of arp hardware for the mains I could use, I think they might require drill and tap.
Pistons, rods , bearings , flywheel and clutch. So in theory if I check with the local shop and see if they can do a line hone then I might as well have the whole assembly balanced at that time.

I wish I could just do all this myself. I hate dropping off my stuff at machine shops.

Here’s what I could find






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Here are the numbers on the block



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•modify the main cap to accept the old i5 (7a, aan) thrust bearing .
•measure with my new bearings and see what clearance is.
•drop off block to machine shop and have them balance the rotating assemble

For modifying the cap, I don’t know the depth or width of the recess that needs to be machined in . I guess I’ll start by first measuring the bearing and then maybe measuring an old i5 main cap or just the block side of the thrust bearing to get an idea .

This is what the parts looked like coming out :

Still working on the thrust bearing mod . Cut it on the conservative side so I think one more Mod and I’ll be good.





I’ve measured axial play with the two new OEM “upper” stock bearings in place , and will shave enough off of the main cap to have the axial play be the same as that measurement with the new add thrust washers in place .

I also fit up the crank and main bearings and measured what I had for radial
Clearances and they’re all within factory spec with this bearing set .




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Looking good!