H-Beam Connecting Rods, 5.6 Long, VW Journal

OVERVIEW

When you''re building a high-performance air-cooled engine, the connecting rods serve as the literal backbone of your rotating assembly, and these EMPI H-Beam Connecting Rods are engineered to be the ultimate upgrade for the serious VW enthusiast. Crafted from high-tensile forged 4340 chromoly steel, these rods provide a superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to traditional I-beam designs. The H-beam architecture is specifically designed to distribute stress and load more efficiently across the rod shank, which is critical for preventing rod deflection or failure in high-RPM and high-compression environments. Whether you''re building a high-revving street car or a dedicated drag racer, these rods provide the structural integrity needed to handle the increased cylinder pressures of a modified Volkswagen powerplant.

What sets these specific rods apart is the 5.600-inch length combined with a standard VW journal diameter. By opting for a 5.6" rod over the stock 5.394" length, you significantly improve the rod-to-stroke ratio of your engine, which reduces side-loading on the cylinder walls and allows the piston to "dwell" longer at top dead center for improved combustion efficiency. These rods also feature radiused caps, which are a lifesaver during the assembly process of a stroker engine; this design drastically reduces the amount of manual grinding and clearancing required inside the engine case. Each set comes equipped with high-strength 5/16-inch forged bolts, ensuring that your rotating assembly stays locked together even under the most demanding driving conditions at the track or on the dunes.

FITMENT

These 5.6-inch H-beam rods are designed for high-performance and stroker applications using a standard VW Journal (2.000"). They are compatible with the following air-cooled Volkswagen models when equipped with a Type 1, 2, or 3 based engine case and a compatible stroker crankshaft:

• Volkswagen Beetle: All years (Performance stroker builds).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years (Performance stroker builds).
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1950-1971 (Type 1 based engines).
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): All years.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All years.
• Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Kit Cars: Using Type 1 VW engine platforms.

SPECS

• Material: Forged 4340 Chromoly Steel.
• Beam Style: H-Beam (High Strength Performance Design).
• Rod Length: 5.600 Inches (Center-to-Center).
• Journal Type: VW Journal (Standard 2.000").
• Wrist Pin Size: 22mm (Standard VW Piston Pin).
• Bolts: 5/16" High-Tensile Forged Chromoly Bolts.
• Cap Design: Radiused / Contoured for Stroker Crankcase Clearance.
• Weight: Balanced in matched sets of four.
• Application: High-performance stroker engines (74mm to 82mm+ stroke).

PRO TIPS

1. Always Verify Internal Case Clearance

Even though these EMPI rods feature radiused caps designed to minimize interference, you must always perform a "dry fit" of the rotating assembly before final lubrication. Rotate the crankshaft slowly by hand to check for contact between the rod caps and the engine case webs or the camshaft lobes. In many stroker applications (especially those over 78mm), you may still need to perform minor clearancing with a die grinder on the interior of the case to ensure a minimum of .040" to .060" of clearance at all points of rotation.

2. Use High-Quality Moly Assembly Lube

When installing the 5/16" forged bolts, it is critical to use the provided moly-based assembly lubricant on the threads and the underside of the bolt head. This ensures that you get an accurate torque reading by reducing friction during the tightening process. Without proper lubrication, the bolt may "bind," leading to a false torque reading that could result in rod bolt failure. Follow the manufacturer''s specific torque sequence and values to ensure the rod cap is perfectly seated and the bolt is stretched within its elastic limit for maximum clamping force.

3. Calculate Your Deck Height Carefully

Because these rods are 5.600 inches longsignificantly longer than the stock 5.394 inchesthey will push the piston further out of the cylinder at top dead center. This is a common practice in stroker builds to maintain a good rod ratio, but it requires you to use cylinder shims (spacers) at the base of the cylinders to achieve the correct deck height. Always aim for a deck height between .040" and .060" for a street engine to ensure proper squish and to prevent the piston from making contact with the cylinder head as the engine reaches operating temperature and components expand.