6-Cylinder Connecting Rods — 2JZ, RB, S54 & More

6-Cylinder Connecting Rods — 2JZ, RB, S54 & More

Six-cylinder connecting rods cover inline-six and V6 engine platforms used in a wide range of performance vehicles, from the Toyota 2JZ and BMW S54 to the Nissan RB26 and GM's LY7 and LFX V6 engines. These engines are frequently pushed far beyond stock power levels with forced induction, requiring connecting rods that can survive the increased tensile loads without fatigue failure.

Popular Upgrades

H-beam 4340 chromoly connecting rods for the Toyota 2JZ-GTE, BMW S54 and S55, Nissan RB25 and RB26, and various Chrysler and GM V6 platforms are the most popular six-cylinder rod upgrades. The 2JZ in particular has an extensive aftermarket rod catalog, supporting builds well past 1,000 horsepower on the factory block when paired with quality rods and pistons. I-beam rods with ARP bolts are used in naturally aspirated high-RPM race builds where lightweight construction and compressive strength are the primary concerns.

What rod bolts should I use with aftermarket six-cylinder rods?

ARP 2000 or ARP Custom Age 625 rod bolts are the standard specification for high-performance connecting rod applications. ARP 2000 bolts are appropriate for most street and moderate track builds, while 625 series bolts are recommended for maximum-effort builds where rod bolt stretch under load is a concern. Most quality aftermarket connecting rods come with ARP rod bolts included in the set price.

Do six-cylinder connecting rod sets come with bearings?

Most aftermarket connecting rod sets do not include bearings, as bearing size selection depends on crankshaft journal condition and desired oil clearance. Purchase connecting rod bearings separately after measuring the crank journals and selecting the appropriate undersize to achieve target clearance. Brands like Clevite, King, and ACL offer bearing sets calibrated for performance oil clearances on most popular six-cylinder platforms.

Find six-cylinder connecting rods at Black Ops Auto Works. Browse our exhaust systems, air intake systems, and suspension upgrades for your complete build.