Upgrade your classic VW engine with this complete 1641cc barrel and piston kit, designed as a simple “slip-in” performance enhancement for Type 1 1300cc and 1600cc aircooled engines. This kit increases your engine capacity to 1641cc by using 87mm pistons while retaining the stock 69mm crankshaft—no case machining required.
For 1300cc engines, you’ll need to machine the cylinder heads to accept the larger 87mm barrels, or simply upgrade to a set of 1600cc dual port heads. On 1600cc engines, the kit fits as a direct upgrade using the existing heads.
Each kit includes everything needed to replace your cylinders and pistons, making it ideal for performance builds, engine rebuilds, or freshening up a tired motor.
Kit Contents:
4 x 87mm Barrels
4 x 87mm Pistons
4 x Gudgeon Pins
8 x Gudgeon Pin Retaining Clips
1 x Complete Piston Ring Set (fitted for all four pistons)
Measurements:
Internal Diameter (ID): 87mm
Stroke Compatibility: 69mm (standard crankshaft)
Key Features:
Increases engine displacement to 1641cc
Slip-in upgrade for 1600cc cases (no machining needed)
Requires cylinder head modification for 1300cc engines
Good quality pistons, rings, and barrels for reliable performance
Perfect for street engines, mild performance builds, and restorations
Applications:
VW Beetle: 1960–1979
VW Splitscreen Van: 1960–1967
VW Baywindow Van: 1968–1979
VW Karmann Ghia: 1960–1974
VW Type 3: 1961–1973
VW Trekker: 1968–1983
VW Buggy & Baja: 1960–1979
Installation Tip:
Check ring gap, piston orientation, and head compatibility before assembly. Use assembly lube on gudgeon pins and torque barrel nuts evenly to avoid warping.