H-Beam Connecting Rods, 5.5 Long, Chevy Journal

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing the limits of your air-cooled Volkswagen engine, the connecting rods are the literal backbone of your rotating assembly. These EMPI H-Beam Connecting Rods are engineered for the serious engine builder who demands more than just "standard" performance. Forged from high-tensile E4340 chromoly steel, these rods utilize a sophisticated parallel beam design that significantly increases rigidity and resistance to bending under high-load, high-RPM conditions. Unlike stock I-beam rods that can flex or fail when subjected to the stresses of a high-performance stroker build, these H-beams provide the structural integrity needed to handle massive horsepower and torque increases. Each rod is 100% CNC machined to exacting tolerances and features micro-honed big and small ends to ensure a perfect fit every single time you fire up your engine.

The "Chevy Journal" configuration of these 5.500-inch rods is a game-changer for high-performance VW builds. By utilizing the 2.000-inch Chevy rod journal size, you gain access to a wider variety of high-performance bearings and, more importantly, you benefit from a smaller journal diameter than the standard VW 2.165-inch size. This reduction in diameter provides crucial clearance inside the crankcase, which is often a major hurdle when building long-stroke engines. Furthermore, these rods come equipped with high-strength 220,000 PSI rod bolts and precision cap alignment bushings, ensuring that the rod cap stays perfectly centered under the most extreme racing conditions. Whether you are building a weekend warrior for the drag strip or a rugged off-road machine that needs to survive the harshest desert environments, these rods offer the reliability and precision that Appletree Auto customers have come to expect.

FITMENT

These H-beam connecting rods are designed for high-performance Type 1, 2, and 3 air-cooled Volkswagen engines. Please note that these require a crankshaft with a Chevy 2.00-inch journal size.

• Volkswagen Beetle: All years (Type 1 engines) with performance stroker crankshafts.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years utilizing upgraded performance rotating assemblies.
• Volkswagen Bus/Transporter: 1950-1971 (Type 1 based engines).
• Volkswagen Type 3: Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback models.
• Volkswagen Thing: All years.
• Custom Sand Rails and Dune Buggies: Ideal for high-output 1914cc, 2110cc, 2276cc, and larger builds.

SPECS

• Material: Forged E4340 Chromoly Steel for maximum strength-to-weight ratio.
• Rod Length: 5.500 inches (Center-to-Center).
• Journal Type: Chevy 2.000-inch Journal.
• Profile: High-strength H-Beam design.
• Bolt Strength: 220,000 PSI high-tensile rod bolts included.
• Machining: 100% CNC machined and micro-honed.
• Alignment: Precision cap alignment bushings for zero-shift performance.
• Quantity: Sold as a weight-matched set of 4 rods.
• Weight: Optimized for high-RPM stability and reduced reciprocating mass.

PRO TIPS

1. Always Verify Internal Clearances

Even though the 5.5-inch length and Chevy journal size are designed to help with clearance, you must never assume "bolt-in" compatibility in a stroker engine. When installing these rods on a long-stroke crankshaft, you must perform a "dry fit" of the rotating assembly. Rotate the crank slowly by hand and check for interference between the rod big-end and the engine case, as well as the rod bolts and the camshaft lobes. It is common to need some minor clearancing on the case or to use a small-base-circle camshaft to ensure everything clears. Don''t forget to check the piston-to-valve clearance and deck height, as the 5.5-inch rod will change the piston position compared to a stock 5.394-inch rod.

2. Master the Rod Bolt Torque Procedure

The 220,000 PSI bolts included with these rods are critical to your engine''s survival. To ensure they perform correctly, you must use a high-quality moly-based assembly lubricant on the threads and under the head of the bolt. Never install these dry, as friction will give you a false torque reading. While using a torque wrench is standard, the most professional way to install these is using a rod bolt stretch gauge. Measuring the actual physical stretch of the bolt ensures that it has reached its proper clamping force. If you are using a torque wrench, ensure you are following the specific torque sequence and values provided by EMPI to avoid over-stretching the bolts or distorting the big-end bore.

3. Proper Bearing Selection and Prep

Since these rods utilize a Chevy 2.00-inch journal, you cannot use standard VW rod bearings. You will need to source high-quality Chevy-style bearings (such as Clevite 77 or equivalent) designed for this journal size. Before final assembly, always "clock" your bearings and check your oil clearances using Plastigage or, preferably, a micrometer and dial bore gauge. Aim for a clearance that matches your oil weight and intended engine usetypically between .002 and .003 inches for a performance build. Additionally, ensure the oil holes in the bearings align correctly with any oiling features on the rod to ensure the wrist pin and cylinder walls receive adequate lubrication during high-RPM operation.