Pro-Series I-Beam Rods, 5.5 Long, Chevy Journal

EMPI Pro-Series I-Beam Rods: The Ultimate Foundation for High-Performance Air-Cooled Engines

When you are building an air-cooled engine designed to push the limits of horsepower and RPM, your choice of connecting rods is one of the most critical decisions you will make. The EMPI Pro-Series I-Beam Rods are engineered specifically for the serious engine builder who demands more than what a stock-style rod can provide. Forged from high-strength 4340 Chromoly steel, these rods offer a superior strength-to-weight ratio that is essential for surviving the stresses of high-compression, turbocharged, or nitrous-fed Volkswagens. Unlike standard rods that can flex or fatigue under extreme loads, the I-beam architecture of the Pro-Series line provides the structural rigidity needed to maintain perfect alignment during the combustion stroke, ensuring your engine remains reliable even when you are screaming toward a high redline on the track or the dunes.

What sets these 5.5-inch rods apart is their specialized configuration featuring a Chevy 2.0-inch journal. By utilizing the smaller Chevy journal diameter, builders can take advantage of a wider variety of performance bearings and, more importantly, gain much-needed clearance inside the crankcase when using long-stroke crankshafts. EMPI has further refined these rods with clearanced caps, a feature that significantly reduces the amount of manual grinding and "clearancing" required on the engine case and camshaft. Every set comes equipped with genuine ARP 2000 5/16-inch rod bolts, which are widely recognized as the industry standard for tensile strength and fatigue resistance. Whether you are building a high-revving street sleeper or a dedicated drag racer, these rods provide the peace of mind that your bottom end is built to handle the heat.

Engine Fitment and Application Guide

These rods are designed for high-performance Type 1 based engines. Please note that because these utilize a Chevy 2.000-inch journal, they must be paired with a crankshaft specifically ground for Chevy journals. They will not fit a standard VW 2.165-inch journal crankshaft.

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle and Super Beetle (High-performance builds).
• Volkswagen Type 14: Karmann Ghia.
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, and Kombi (Performance upright conversions).
• Volkswagen Type 181: Thing.
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Baja Bugs utilizing stroker cranks.
• Crankshaft Compatibility: Requires a Stroker Crankshaft with Chevy 2.000'' Journals.

Technical Specifications and Materials

• Rod Length: 5.500 Inches (Center to Center).
• Crankshaft Journal Size: Chevy 2.000 Inch.
• Material: Forged 4340 Chromoly Steel for maximum tensile strength.
• Rod Bolt Type: Genuine ARP 2000 5/16'' High-Strength Bolts.
• Wrist Pin Diameter: 22mm (Standard VW Piston Pin).
• Design: Performance I-Beam with radiused clearanced caps.
• Finish: Shot-peened to reduce surface stress and increase longevity.
• Weight: Approximately 6.2 lbs per set of four (Shipping Weight).
• Quantity: Sold as a matched set of 4 rods.

Pro Tips from the Appletree Garage

1. Always Verify Internal Clearances Manually

Even though these EMPI Pro-Series rods feature clearanced caps designed to minimize interference, you must never assume they will clear every camshaft and engine case combination perfectly. During the "mock-up" phase of your engine assembly, rotate the rotating assembly slowly by hand. Check the clearance between the rod caps and the camshaft lobes, as well as the rod caps and the internal webbing of the case. A minimum clearance of .060'' is generally recommended. If you are using a high-lift camshaft, this check is even more critical to prevent catastrophic engine failure upon the first startup.

2. Proper Torque and Lubrication Procedures

The ARP 2000 bolts included with these rods are precision fasteners that require exact torque specs to function correctly. Never install these dry. You must use a high-quality assembly lubricant, such as ARP Ultra-Torque Fastener Assembly Lubricant, under the head of the bolt and on the threads to ensure accurate torque readings. Follow the specific torque-to-stretch or torque-value instructions provided with the rods. Remember, over-torquing can stretch the bolt beyond its elastic limit, while under-torquing can lead to the rod cap coming loose at high RPM. Precision is key to a long-lasting bottom end.

3. Checking Rod Side Play and Bearing Fit

When installing these Chevy journal rods on your stroker crank, always measure your rod side play (axial clearance). Because you are mixing "Chevy-sized" components into a "VW-sized" environment, ensuring the rods have the correct amount of room to move side-to-side on the crank journal is vital for oil flow and heat dissipation. Typically, a side play of .010'' to .015'' is desired for high-performance builds. Additionally, ensure you are using high-quality Chevy 2.000'' bearings. Don''t forget to check your oil clearance with Plastigage or a micrometer to ensure the bearing-to-journal gap meets your engine builder''s specifications for your specific oil weight and usage.