I-Beam “Heavy Duty” Series Connecting Rods for Audi / VW 1.8L Turbo 20v

The I-Beam “Heavy Duty” series connecting rods are designed for high horsepower and boost applications. Constructed from 4340 high tensile steel, these rods feature a specially optimized shape for enhanced performance and durability. The straight cut pin end increases durability, making them suitable for use only with aftermarket pistons. The bushings are made from AMPCO 18 material, providing excellent resistance to wear and fatigue, and include a radial groove that acts as an oil reservoir. Each rod is shot peened to relieve stress and undergoes multi-stage heat treatment to enhance rigidity. Tight tolerances in the production process ensure a perfect fit while optimizing oil clearances, with controlled bend and twist.

Each rod includes ARP 2000 cap fasteners rated at 220,000 psi, with an optional upgrade to ARP L19 material rated at 260,000 psi. The complete kit is supplied with ARP moly and full fitting instructions.

Additional Machining Processes

• “Straight Cut” Pin End - Suitable for aftermarket pistons
• Dowel sleeves for perfect fit and accurate re-assembling
• Lipped Cap Relief for improved big-end integrity at extreme applications
• Grooves in Thrust Face for weight reduction

Technical Features of ZRP Connecting Rods

• I-Beam Shape for extra rigidity
• Two-Piece forging for great strength
• Shot Peening for improved fatigue life
• Magnaflux Inspection guarantees consistency of the forged material
• Double ribbed caps for added support
• Multi Stage Heat Treatment for maximum strength, dimensional stability, and fatigue life
• CNC machining for superior tolerances, precise to 0.0002"
• Center to center maintained under .001" tolerance
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for computer-generated stress analysis of connecting rods
• Optimal balancing for weight matched sets of ± 1 gram