There’s one common saying that mechanics like to use that goes like, “spare the rod and spoil the engine”. This is saying is quite true, the connecting rod is a significant part of any engine. Having a dysfunctional connecting rod then that can cause a lot of problems for you. It is one of the parts of an engine that undergoes a lot of stress and pressure. This is because it is designed to transfer linear motion and energy from the combustion chamber to the crankshaft.

Judging from the day to day life of a connecting rod that shows that you should get yourself a quality one.

The problem however usually comes in when one has to choose in between a racing connecting rods or a standard connecting rod. This can be a very difficult situation for most vehicle owners. But to help you out, we will compare the two types of rods and by the end of the article, you will be able to make an informed decision.

The first difference between racing and standard connecting rods is the material used to make the rods. Race cars or rather street engines are exposed compressive and tensile forces during the combustion cycle. Therefore, a bigger engine with a higher power requires a racing rod to withstand all the pressure. For the case of standard rods, they are designed to suit the regular cars that feature a low compression ratio and engine speed. The ideal material for street connecting rods is steel. This is because steel is quite strong. Standard racing rods can be made of aluminium or an alloy of steel.

On another note, a racing rod is designed to facilitate a sudden and violent direction change of the combustion gasses.

This also brings about the aspect of pre-ignition. Did you know that pre-ignition does increase the load on the rod? This, as a result, requires a connecting rod built to endure such environments. A standard connecting rod if it’s used in the above conditions, it will be stretched to its limits.

Another difference between the two can also be seen during the manufacturing process. Forging and billet are methods used to create racing rods. As a matter of fact, racing connecting rods are at times known as billet connecting rods. This type of rod boasts of improving the performance of an engine. Between the two manufacturing processes, forging ensures the manufacture a strong rod but it’s very expensive. Billet connecting rods, on the other hand, is quite affordable and can make both standard and racing connecting rods. Billeting creates room for customization of connecting rods.

Which Between the Two is Better?

This a question that only you and your car can answer. When it narrows down to connector rod selection, the state and type of your engine is the major determinant. Is it a race car or is it an ordinary car. A standard connecting rod can work with a street engine, it will be pushed to its furthest limit. And the vice versa of putting a racing rod in a standard engine is that it will be a waste of funds. Unless you intend on modifying your engine and increase its performance.

When determining which among the two is perfect for your engine, always consider the piston package weight, the rpm, the horsepower, the torque, and the crank material. Despite the type of connecting rod you settle for, make sure that you get a quality one so that it serves you well and for long.