5.400 EMPI Forged 4140 Chromoly I-Beam Rods

Build a strong and reliable bottom end with this EMPI Forged I-Beam Connecting Rod Set, manufactured from premium 4140 forged chromoly steel for exceptional strength and durability. Designed for all VW Type 1 aircooled engines, these rods are an excellent choice for standard rebuilds, fast road engines and moderate performance applications.

Based on the proven original Volkswagen I-Beam design, these connecting rods offer significantly greater strength than standard rods while remaining affordable. Each rod is fitted with high-strength 3/8″ EMPI 8740 rod bolts, capable of withstanding a 200,000 PSI tensile load, providing the reliability needed for higher RPM and increased engine loads.

The rods feature radiused caps, offering additional clearance for stroker crankshaft applications and reducing the amount of case clearancing often required during engine builds. Each set is supplied weight matched to minimise vibration and improve engine balance.

For the best results, EMPI recommends pairing these rods with an EMPI counterweighted crankshaft to create a dependable and durable bottom end capable of handling moderate performance upgrades.

Features

• Genuine EMPI forged I-Beam connecting rod set
• Manufactured from forged 4140 chromoly steel
• Stronger than original OE connecting rods
• Weight matched for improved engine balance
• Radiused caps for additional stroker clearance
• Suitable for standard and moderate performance engines
• Ideal when combined with an EMPI counterweighted crankshaft

Specifications

• Rod Style: I-Beam
• Rod Length: 137mm
• Crank Journal: VW 55mm
• Material: Forged 4140 Chrome-Molybdenum Steel
• Rod Bolts: EMPI 3/8″ 8740
• Rod Bolt Tensile Strength: 200,000 PSI
• Rod Bolt Torque: 37 ft-lbs
• Quantity: Set of 4 rods

Additional Parts Recommended

For a complete engine build, we recommend:

• EMPI counterweighted crankshaft
• Main bearing set
• Big end bearings (55mm VW journal)
• Camshaft bearings
• Piston and cylinder kit
• Flywheel gland nut
• Engine gasket set
• Connecting rod bolt assembly lubricant

Fits the following vehicles

• VW Beetle (Type 1) – All aircooled engines
• VW Karmann Ghia – All aircooled engines
• VW Type 2 Splitscreen (T1) – All Type 1 engine conversions
• VW Baywindow (T2) – All Type 1 engine models
• VW Type 3 – All Type 1-based engines
• VW Baja Bug – All Type 1 engines
• VW Buggy – All Type 1 engines
• VW Thing (Type 181) – All Type 1 engines
• Compatible with all VW Type 1 aircooled engine builds

Manufacturer

• EMPI