I-Beam Connecting Rods, 5.500 long, VW Journal

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your air-cooled powerplant with the precision engineering of EMPI''s I-Beam Connecting Rods. These 5.500-inch rods are forged from high-strength 4340 chromoly steel, providing a significant increase in durability over stock cast components without the heavy weight penalty of some H-beam designs. By utilizing a 5.500-long configuration, these rods are ideal for engine builders looking to optimize their rod-to-stroke ratio, which can reduce side-loading on cylinder walls and improve high-RPM stability. Whether you''re building a spirited street cruiser or a weekend track warrior, these rods offer the perfect balance of lightweight performance and structural integrity, ensuring your rotating assembly stays together when the heat is on.

Reliability is at the forefront of this design, featuring genuine 3/8-inch ARP bolts to secure the caps under extreme tensile loads. One of the standout features of the EMPI I-beam series is the radiused cap design, specifically engineered to provide additional clearance in stroker engine cases. This often eliminates or significantly reduces the amount of clearancing required on the engine case and camshaft, saving you time and maintaining the structural thickness of your magnesium or aluminum block. Each set is delivered as a match-weighted kit, ensuring that your engine remains balanced and vibration-free, which is essential for the longevity of your main bearings and crankshaft. When you demand more from your Volkswagen engine than stock parts can provide, these I-beam rods deliver the professional-grade performance you expect from Appletree Automotive.

FITMENT

These connecting rods are designed for high-performance VW Type 1 based engines. Please note that the 5.500-inch length is longer than the factory 5.394-inch length, requiring specific piston pin heights or cylinder spacers.

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle and Bug (1954-1979)
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, and Kombi (1954-1971)
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback (1961-1973)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: (1955-1974)
• Volkswagen Thing: (1973-1974)
• Custom Applications: Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Trikes using VW based air-cooled engines.

SPECS

• Rod Length: 5.500 Inches (Center-to-Center)
• Journal Type: Standard VW Journal
• Material: Forged 4340 Chromoly Steel
• Beam Style: I-Beam Performance Design
• Hardware: 3/8-inch ARP Connecting Rod Bolts
• Torque Specification: 38 ft-lb (Always use assembly lube)
• Weight Profile: Match-weighted sets for balanced rotation
• Clearance Style: Radiused caps for stroker crank compatibility
• Wrist Pin Style: Press-fit or Floating (depending on piston selection)

PRO TIPS

1. Calculate Your Deck Height Carefully

Because these rods are 5.500 inches longroughly 0.106 inches longer than a stock Volkswagen rodyou cannot simply swap them into a stock-stroke engine without consequences. You must account for the extra length by using pistons with a shorter compression height or by installing cylinder shims (spacers) at the base of the jugs. Failure to check your deck height can result in the piston crown striking the cylinder head, leading to catastrophic engine failure. Always perform a ''dry build'' to measure exactly where your piston sits at Top Dead Center (TDC) before final assembly.

2. Torque to Stretch, Not Just Friction

While the standard torque spec is 38 ft-lb, the most accurate way to install high-performance ARP bolts is by measuring bolt stretch. However, for most builders, using a high-quality, calibrated torque wrench and genuine ARP Ultra-Torque assembly lubricant is the industry standard. Never install these dry or with standard engine oil, as the friction variance will result in improper clamping force. We recommend torquing and loosening the bolts three times during the mock-up phase to ''set'' the threads before the final torque sequence.

3. Verify Camshaft and Case Clearance

Even though these rods feature a radiused cap designed for stroker clearance, you must never assume they will clear every camshaft and engine case. High-lift camshafts with large lobes can still interfere with the shoulder of the connecting rod. After installing the rods on the crankshaft and mating the case halves (without sealant), rotate the assembly 360 degrees slowly. If you feel any resistance, stop and identify the contact point. A small amount of hand-clearancing on the case or the rod cap (minimally) may still be required in extreme stroker applications.