1600cc Barrel And Piston Kit - 85.5mm Type 1 Engines - Mahle Cast Pistons

Premium quality 85.5mm barrel and piston kit manufactured by Mahle, designed for all 1600cc Type 1-based aircooled VW engines. Featuring high-quality cast aluminium pistons and precision-engineered cylinders, this kit is ideal for stock rebuilds where reliability, longevity and OEM-level performance are essential.

The piston and cylinder assembly is responsible for generating engine compression and power. As the pistons travel within the barrels, they compress the air/fuel mixture before ignition. Over time, wear in these components leads to reduced compression, oil consumption and poor performance. This Mahle kit restores correct tolerances and sealing, bringing your engine back to smooth, efficient operation.

Mahle is renowned for its OEM-quality manufacturing, ensuring excellent heat transfer, durability and consistent performance. The cast pistons are designed for road use, offering quiet operation and long service life, while the included piston rings provide an effective seal for optimal combustion.

Manufactured to standard 85.5mm dimensions, this kit is a direct replacement for original 1600cc engines with no machining required.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Mahle
• Piston size: 85.5mm
• Engine size: 1600cc
• Piston type: Cast aluminium
• Quality: OEM / premium quality
• Quantity: Complete set for one engine

Kit Includes

• 4 x Barrels (cylinders)
• 4 x Pistons
• 4 x Gudgeon pins
• 8 x Circlips
• Full set of piston rings

Recommended Additional Parts

• Engine gasket set (top end or full rebuild)
• Main, big end and camshaft bearings
• Cylinder head studs or hardware kit
• Pushrod tube seals
• Oil pump and seals
• Ring compressor and torque wrench for correct installation

To Fit

Aircooled VW

• VW Beetle (Type 1) – 1600cc engines (1968–1979)
• VW Splitscreen (T1) – 1600cc conversions (1963–1967)
• VW Baywindow (T2) – 1600cc engines (1968–1979)
• VW Karmann Ghia – 1600cc engines (1968–1974)
• VW Type 3 – 1600cc engines (1968–1973)
• VW Type 181 Trekker – 1600cc engines (1968–1983)
• VW Buggy / Baja – 1600cc Type 1 based engines