Connecting Rods & Push Rods — 4340 & Chromoly

What This Category Covers

Connecting rods link the piston to the crankshaft and are one of the most heavily loaded components in a performance engine build, while push rods transfer camshaft motion to the valves on pushrod style engines. This collection covers upgraded connecting rods, rod bolt kits, and push rods built to handle higher horsepower and RPM than factory components.

Categories Included

H-beam connecting rods, I-beam connecting rods, stroker rod sets, rod bolt kits, and performance push rods sized for common import and domestic engine platforms.

Why Upgraded Rods Matter in a Performance Build

Factory connecting rods are designed around stock horsepower and RPM targets, and can bend or fail when an engine is pushed well beyond factory output through turbocharging, supercharging, or increased compression. Upgraded H-beam and I-beam rods use stronger materials and improved bolt specifications to hold up under the added cylinder pressure and rod stress of a built engine.

H-Beam Versus I-Beam Rod Design

H-beam rods generally offer greater strength for high horsepower and high RPM applications, while I-beam rods can offer a lighter weight option for builds prioritizing rotating mass over peak load capacity, with the correct choice depending on the specific power and RPM target.

Connecting Rods by Application

Toyota 2JZ and Import Six Cylinder Builds

2JZ builds commonly upgrade to Manley or Brian Crower connecting rods when targeting horsepower levels beyond what factory rods are rated to handle reliably.

Subaru EJ20 and EJ25 Builds

Subaru EJ20 and EJ25 platforms use upgraded H-beam rods paired with ARP rod bolts for builds running higher boost than the factory rotating assembly supports.

Diesel Push Rod Applications

Fleece Performance push rods are used on diesel truck platforms to maintain valve train stability and prevent bending under the higher cylinder pressures found in built diesel engines.

Top Connecting Rod and Push Rod Brands

• Manley Performance. H-beam connecting rods for import and domestic performance engine builds
• Brian Crower. Connecting rods engineered for high horsepower turbo and naturally aspirated applications
• Carrillo. GTR connecting rods for high load, high RPM racing applications
• Eagle Specialty Products. Stroker connecting rod sets for displacement increasing engine builds
• ARP. Rod bolt kits rated for high compression and boosted engine applications
• Fleece Performance. Push rods for diesel truck valve train applications
• Wiseco. Forged pistons matched to performance connecting rod builds

How to Choose the Correct Connecting Rod or Push Rod

• Confirm the exact year, make, model, trim, and engine before ordering
• Match rod length and pin size to your specific piston and crankshaft combination
• Choose rod material and beam style based on your horsepower and RPM target
• Confirm rod bolt specification matches your intended power level
• Pair connecting rods with forged pistons rated for the same application
• Check bearing clearance specifications with your machinist before final assembly
• Match push rod length to your camshaft and valve train geometry
• Verify push rod diameter and wall thickness for your intended lifter type
• Torque rod bolts to manufacturer specification using a calibrated torque wrench
• Consider a complete rotating assembly from Manley, ARP, and Wiseco for a full rebuild

Common Questions

Do I need upgraded connecting rods for a turbo build?

This depends on your horsepower target. Many factory rods can handle a moderate power increase, but higher horsepower and higher RPM builds typically require upgraded H-beam or I-beam rods to avoid failure.

What is the difference between H-beam and I-beam rods?

H-beam rods generally provide greater strength for high load applications, while I-beam rods can offer reduced weight, with the correct choice depending on your specific power and RPM target.

Do connecting rods come with rod bolts included?

Many connecting rod sets include matched rod bolts, though upgraded ARP rod bolt kits are also available separately for builds requiring a specific bolt specification.

Can I reuse factory rod bearings with new connecting rods?

New rod bearings are recommended anytime connecting rods are replaced to ensure proper clearance and bearing crush specification.

What push rod length do I need?

Push rod length depends on your specific camshaft, cylinder head, and valve train geometry. Confirm your exact combination before ordering.

Do push rods differ between gas and diesel engines?

Yes. Diesel push rods are typically built to handle higher cylinder pressures than gas engine push rods, which is why diesel specific push rods like Fleece Performance are used on built diesel trucks.

Does installing new connecting rods require an engine rebuild?

Yes. Connecting rod replacement requires disassembling the engine to the rotating assembly and should be performed by a qualified machine shop or engine builder.

What rod material is best for a high horsepower build?

Forged steel and forged aluminum are common choices for high horsepower connecting rods, with the correct material depending on your specific power target and budget.

Do I need to balance the rotating assembly after installing new rods?

Yes. Balancing the rotating assembly is recommended after installing new connecting rods and pistons to reduce vibration and extend engine life.

Do connecting rods come with a warranty?

Yes. Every connecting rod and push rod set carries the manufacturer warranty, and warranty terms are listed on each product page.

Why Buy Connecting Rods and Push Rods from Black Ops Auto Works

Black Ops Auto Works stocks 342 connecting rod and push rod SKUs across material and engine application with real fitment data, competitive pricing, and support from staff who build these engines themselves. Products are filterable by year, make, model, trim, engine, and drivetrain to confirm the correct application before ordering.

For complete rotating assembly builds, browse our Pistons, Piston Sets Forged 4cyl, Engine Block, Head Components, ACL, King Engine Bearings, Wiseco, ARP, and Manley Performance.