Refer to the guide below to verify piston compatibility by engine code.

This 144X20 connecting rod set will only work with VW/Audi engines with factory pistons that use 20mm wrist pins on factory non-tapered rods.

Are these are a direct replacement for factory rods?
-This rod set fits several VW/Audi engines with a 144mm journal bore and is a direct rod replacement for engines with a 20mm non-tapered wrist pin. For engine variations with a tapered or different size wrist pin, an aftermarket 20mm piston will be required. Please refer to the vehicle and piston application tables for fitment guides.

Are these connecting rods forged?
-All Integrated Engineering Connecting Rods are made from extremely durable 4340 material forgings.

Do these rods require any additional machine work for installation?
-IE connecting rods themselves are machined, balanced, and ready for installation. The engine block may require machine work when installing new rods such as a surface deck and cylinder hone.

When do I need IE Tuscan I Beam rods over H beam rods?
-IE 4 cylinder H-beam rods are rated for about 600 horsepower and 600 torque (ft/lbs). If you are planning on exceeding these power levels we recommend upgrading to our Tuscan I-beam Rods.

What are the most common reasons for connecting rod failure?
-Connecting rods are one of the highest stressed components in your engine, and several factors can contribute to a failure. The most common rod failures happen by oil starvation, improper ECU tuning, improper bearing clearances, or installation mistakes. Professional installation of your new connecting rods and ECU tuning is crucial to ensure your IE rods stay inside of your engine block.

This set of IE connecting rods is designed for use with tanged style rod bearings only. Tanged bearings locate and lock into the journal, reducing the chances of bearing spin and less chance of bearing failures.

Best for high-powered race and street driven engines.

Great for mid-high powered street driven engines.

Refer to the guide below to verify piston compatibility by engine code.

This 144X20 connecting rod set will only work with VW/Audi engines with factory pistons that use 20mm wrist pins on factory non-tapered rods.

Are these are a direct replacement for factory rods?
This rod set fits several VW/Audi engines with a 144mm journal bore and is a direct rod replacement for engines with a 20mm non-tapered wrist pin. For engine variations with a tapered or different size wrist pin, an aftermarket 20mm piston will be required. Please refer to the vehicle and piston application tables for fitment guides.

Are these connecting rods forged?
All Integrated Engineering Connecting Rods are made from extremely durable 4340 material forgings.

Do these rods require any additional machine work?
IE connecting rods themselves are machined, balanced, and ready for installation. The engine block may require machine work when installing new rods such as a surface deck and cylinder hone.

When do I need IE Tuscan I Beam rods over H beam rods?
IE 4 cylinder H-beam rods are rated for about 600 horsepower and 600 torque (ft/lbs). If you are planning on exceeding these power levels we recommend upgrading to our Tuscan I-beam Rods.

What causes connecting rod failure?
Connecting rods are one of the highest stressed components in your engine, and several factors can contribute to a failure. The most common rod failures happen by oil starvation, improper ECU tuning, improper bearing clearances, or installation mistakes. Professional installation of your new connecting rods and ECU tuning is crucial to ensure your IE rods stay inside of your engine block.

The following information is supplied as best practices and tips for your connecting rod installation and not intended to be used as a complete install guide.

Engine assembly should always be performed by a trained technician with professional tools.

Prepare a clean indoor work surface such as a stainless bench. Unpack your rods, remove the rod bolts with an 11mm 12 point socket, and split the bearing caps from the rods. Use brake cleaner with a lint-free rag to remove all rust inhibitor oils from the surface, threads, journals, bushings, and rifle drilling channel (if present). Visually inspect all rod surfaces.

TOOLS & SUPPLIES:

• Socket wrench
• 11mm 12 point socket
• Torque wrench (quality & calibrated)
• Dial bore gauge
• Secured bench vise
• Bolt stretch gauge (optional)
• thread tap/thread gauge (optional)
• ARP bolt lube (supplied with rods)
• Marker
• Carb cleaner
• Lint-free rags

Before installing your connecting rods into the engine, all critical clearances should be measured and recorded. Label each rod, bearing set, crankshaft journal, and wrist pin 1-4 with a marker to keep track of your measurements. Using a vice, assemble the rod with the rod bearings, rod bolts, and ARP assembly lube. Torque the rod bolts using the torque procedure on this page. Make sure the printed numbers on the rod and rod cap match and are installed on the same side.

Using a quality bore gauge and micrometer, record the following measurements:

• Wrist pin diameter
• Wrist pin bushing bore
• Wrist pin clearance (Bore minus diameter | Target: .0003″-.0005″)
• Rod journal (w/bearings)
• Crankshaft journal diameter
• Journal clearance (Bore minus diameter | Target: .0015″-.0025″)

Measure clearances with a quality bore gauge and micrometer only, do not use a Plastigage type product.

Taking the time to measure and verify all critical clearances of the rotating assembly can be the difference between bullet proof reliability or a costly engine rebuild. Building a record of these details can identify issues and provides a reference during assembly or later diagnosis. To help make your engine build a success, download our official IE Engine Specification Sheet.

Accurate rod bolt pre-load is required to ensure proper bore clearances and roundness of the connecting rod big end for both measuring and final installation of your connecting rods. Before you begin, clean the rod mating surfaces and remove all packaging oil from the threads and rod bolts.

STEP 1 -SEATING THE ROD CAPS:
Before you final stretch your rod bolts, it’s important the bolt and rod threads are fully seated.

• Install rod bearings
• Align matching printed numbers on rod and cap
• Assemble cap to rod
• Apply ARP assembly lube to bolt threads
• Hand tighten bolts
• Using a quality calibrated torque wrench, torque bolts to 50 ft/lbs
• Break bolts loose, and again torque to 50 ft/lbs
• Break bolts loose, then torque to 50 ft/lbs one final time

STEP 2 -FINAL TORQUE:
The final torque spec is .006″ (stretch gauge) or 50 ft/lbs (torque wrench) with ARP assembly lube. The preferred method of measuring bolt load is with a stretch bolt gauge.

Stretch Gauge

• Loosen bolt and zero stretch gauge
• Tighten bolt to .006″ stretch
• Loosen second bolt and zero stretch gauge
• Tighten second bolt to .006″ stretch
  

Torque Wrench

• Loosen bolt
• Tighten bolt to 50 ft/lbs
• Loosen second bolt
• Tighten second bolt to 50 ft/lbs

Important notes

• Do not exceed rod bolt stretch/torque. If bolt stretch is exceeded, replace rod bolts with new ones.
• Torque wrench settings are given as a guide only, to ensure proper bolt installation a stretch gauge is required.
• Do not install bolts dry or with any other lubricant than the supplied ARP assembly lube.

Have questions? Don’t worry, our team of engine specialist are here to help. Fill out the form on our Contact Page to start a help ticket.