Over the last few months we have had an in-depth look at the main components that go into building a performance engine. The aim has been to give you a better understanding of what is available, and eliminate the jargon so you can make better-informed decisions about the parts going into your engine.

But this series wouldn’t be complete without having a look at the humble con-rod, so let’s get up close and personal with one of the most stressed parts of any engine.

What is a Con-Rod?
As its name implies, a con-rod (connecting rod) is responsible for connecting the crankshaft to the piston. All the force generated during combustion is transferred through the con-rod and the end result is rotation of the crankshaft. Unsurprisingly, there is a lot of force involved, and the con-rod must be able to handle the massive compressive and tensile stresses without getting bent out of shape. (more…)