I-Beam Connecting Rods, 5.500 long, Chevy Journal

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing the limits of a high-performance air-cooled Volkswagen engine, the connecting rods are the literal backbone of your rotating assembly. These EMPI I-Beam Connecting Rods are engineered for the serious engine builder who demands the perfect balance between high-strength forged durability and a budget-friendly price point. Forged from 4340 chromoly steel, these rods offer a significantly higher tensile strength than stock cast units, making them an essential upgrade for stroker engines, high-compression builds, or any application where RPMs consistently climb past the factory redline. By utilizing an I-Beam design, EMPI has managed to keep the weight down to reduce reciprocating mass, which allows your engine to rev faster and puts less strain on your main bearings and crankshaft. These rods aren''t just about raw strength; they are about precision engineering, ensuring that your Type 1 performance build can handle the rigors of the street or the drag strip without breaking a sweat.

One of the standout features of this specific rod set is the 5.500-inch length paired with a Chevy Journal (2.000 inch) big end. This configuration is a favorite among VW specialists because the smaller Chevy journal provides much-needed clearance inside the crankcase, especially when running long-stroke cranks like a 78.4mm, 82mm, or even an 84mm. The radiused rod cap further assists in this clearance, often reducing the amount of "clearancing" or grinding required on the engine case and camshaft. To ensure these rods stay together under extreme pressure, EMPI has equipped them with genuine ARP 3/8-inch rod bolts, providing the clamping force necessary to prevent rod cap stretch. Each set is weight-matched to ensure a balanced rotating assembly right out of the box, saving you time and money at the machine shop while providing the smooth operation every master builder strives for.

FITMENT

These connecting rods are designed for high-performance Volkswagen Type 1 based engines. Please note that these require a crankshaft with Chevy Journals (2.000").

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954-1979 (With stroker/Chevy journal crankshaft)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974 (With stroker/Chevy journal crankshaft)
• Volkswagen Bus/Transporter: 1954-1971 (Type 1 upright engine configurations)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback/Fastback/Notchback): 1961-1973
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing VW Type 1 engine cases.

SPECS

• Rod Design: High-Strength I-Beam
• Material: Forged 4340 Chromoly Steel
• Rod Length: 5.500 Inches (Center to Center)
• Crankshaft Journal Type: Chevy Journal (2.000")
• Wrist Pin Diameter: 22mm (Standard VW)
• Hardware: Genuine ARP 8740 3/8" Rod Bolts
• Torque Specification: 38 ft-lbs (Using ARP Ultra-Torque Lube)
• Cap Style: Radiused Cap for maximum stroker clearance
• Quantity: Sold as a matched set of 4
• Weight: Approximately 5.95 lbs (Total shipping weight)

PRO TIPS

1. Verify Your Crankshaft Journal Size

Before ordering, you must confirm that your crankshaft is ground for Chevy journals. A standard Volkswagen Type 1 rod journal is approximately 2.165 inches (55mm), whereas these rods are designed for the 2.000-inch Chevy journal. Using the smaller Chevy journal is a common trick in the VW world to gain more clearance between the connecting rod and the camshaft when using a long-stroke crankshaft. If you attempt to install these on a standard VW journal crank, they will not fit. Always use a micrometer to verify your journal size before beginning your final assembly to ensure a perfect match for your rotating assembly.

2. Account for the Increased Rod Length

The standard VW rod length is 5.394 inches, but these rods are 5.500 inches long. This extra length changes the geometry of your engine by pushing the piston further out of the cylinder at Top Dead Center (TDC). This is often done to improve the rod-to-stroke ratio, which can reduce side-loading on the cylinder walls and improve high-RPM breathing. However, this means you will almost certainly need to use cylinder shims (spacers) at the base of your jugs to achieve the correct deck height. Don''t forget to "dry fit" one cylinder and piston with the rod to measure your deck height before final assembly, as you may need to order specific shim thicknesses to reach your target compression ratio.

3. Proper Bolt Lubrication is Non-Negotiable

When torquing your ARP rod bolts to the required 38 ft-lbs, you must use ARP Ultra-Torque fastener assembly lubricant. Do not use standard motor oil or WD-40. The friction coefficient of the lubricant directly affects the "stretch" of the bolt, which is what actually provides the clamping force. If you use the wrong lubricant, you may reach 38 ft-lbs on your torque wrench without actually achieving the proper bolt stretch, which can lead to catastrophic rod failure at high RPM. Apply the lube to both the threads and the underside of the bolt head to ensure an accurate torque reading and a secure engine build.