Pistons, Rings & Connecting Rods
![Pistons, Rings & Connecting Rods](https://ic.carid.com/pages/replacement-pistons-rings-connecting-rods/pistons-rings-connecting-rods_collage_0.jpg)
- Dorman®Connecting Rod NutConnecting Rod Nut by Dorman®. Engine Connecting Rod Nuts are suitable for a variety of applications. All their Engine Connecting Rod Nuts are manufactured for high corrosion resistance and a long service life.High-quality steel constructionDirect replacement for a proper fit$12.31
- Mopar®Connecting Rod NutConnecting Rod Nut by Mopar®. Want your prized possession to look and perform the way it was designed to? Then top-of-the-line Mopar automotive parts and accessories are for you. Made using the latest manufacturing technology to meet...Ideal solution to keep your vehicle in top shapeCrafted from premium-grade materials and the latest technology$1.09 - $20.57
- Original Equipment®Connecting Rod NutConnecting Rod Nut by Original Equipment®. Looking for high-quality replacement parts to restore the performance of your vehicle? Then Original Equipment automotive parts are for you. They are manufactured from the finest materials...Perfect replacement for your damaged or worn out original partMade using high-grade materials for long-lasting dependability$2.72 - $4.15
- Pioneer Automotive®Engine Connecting Rod NutEngine Connecting Rod Nut by Pioneer Automotive®. Designed utilizing the latest technology, this product by Pioneer Automotive features premium quality and will perform better than advertised. Perfect for your vehicle and lifestyle, it...Designed to deliver trouble-free, consistent performanceRight for your vehicle and lifestyle$11.38 - $41.62
- Febi®Connecting Rod NutConnecting Rod Nut by Febi®. This top-grade product is expertly made in compliance with stringent industry standards to offer a fusion of a well-balanced design and high level of craftsmanship. Manufactured from industry-leading...Designed to deliver trouble-free, consistent performanceRight for your vehicle and lifestyle$1.93 - $1.96
- Eurospare®Connecting Rod NutConnecting Rod Nut by Eurospare®. This top-grade product is expertly made in compliance with stringent industry standards to offer a fusion of a well-balanced design and high level of craftsmanship. Manufactured from industry-leading...Designed to deliver trouble-free, consistent performanceRight for your vehicle and lifestyle$7.66
- Dorman®Connecting Rod Nut Set (635-002)Connecting Rod Nut Set (635-002) by Dorman®. Engine Connecting Rod Nuts are suitable for a variety of applications. All their Engine Connecting Rod Nuts are manufactured for high corrosion resistance and a long service life.High-quality steel constructionDirect replacement for a proper fit$12.31
- Febi®Connecting Rod Nut (07760)Connecting Rod Nut by Febi®. This top-grade product is expertly made in compliance with stringent industry standards to offer a fusion of a well-balanced design and high level of craftsmanship. Manufactured from industry-leading...Designed to deliver trouble-free, consistent performanceRight for your vehicle and lifestyle$1.93
- Mopar®Connecting Rod Nut (MD144215)Connecting Rod Nut (MD144215) by Mopar®. Want your prized possession to look and perform the way it was designed to? Then top-of-the-line Mopar automotive parts and accessories are for you. Made using the latest manufacturing technology...Ideal solution to keep your vehicle in top shapeCrafted from premium-grade materials and the latest technology$3.60
- Mopar®Connecting Rod Nut (MD355954)Connecting Rod Nut (MD355954) by Mopar®. Want your prized possession to look and perform the way it was designed to? Then top-of-the-line Mopar automotive parts and accessories are for you. Made using the latest manufacturing technology...Ideal solution to keep your vehicle in top shapeCrafted from premium-grade materials and the latest technology$1.09
- Eurospare®Connecting Rod Nut (EAC5541)Connecting Rod Nut (EAC5541) by Eurospare®. This top-grade product is expertly made in compliance with stringent industry standards to offer a fusion of a well-balanced design and high level of craftsmanship. Manufactured from...Designed to deliver trouble-free, consistent performanceRight for your vehicle and lifestyle$7.66
The pistons are the mechanical components that bear the pressure from combustion that is ultimately turned into vehicle motion. Piston rings form the seal between the pistons and cylinder walls, and the connecting rods connect the pistons to the crankshaft, converting the reciprocating motion of the pistons to the rotating motion of the crankshaft, which turns the gears in the transmission, the axle shafts, and ultimately the wheels. Whether you need to replace any of these parts or want to swap it out for a performance unit, we have your products.
Factory pistons are cast or forged from aluminum alloy. Performance piston material ranges from cast hypereutectic (an alloy with a high silicon content for strength) aluminum that is fine for mildly modified street engines to forged and billet aluminum for high horsepower and racing applications. All pistons are designed and precision machined for superior strength with light weight. Factors that affect piston selection include bore size, compression ratio, and valve clearance. Most pin bores are designed for floating pins retained by clips. Many pistons come with coatings to reduce skirt scuffing, improve surface wear resistance, and reflect heat, which improves durability.
A connecting rod consists of a small end, attached to the piston by a wrist pin, and a big end, which is split so it can be attached to the crankshaft throw, separated by the beam. Factory connecting rods are typically made of cast iron or powdered metal, and aren’t adequate for performance use. Most performance rods are manufactured from forged or billet steel, and there are aluminum rods for drag racing. You’ll find forged rods in I-Beam and H-Beam construction, with the latter generally providing higher strength with less weight. Performance rods are precision made, with uniform center-to-center dimensions, weights, and bore concentricity. They also are commonly bushed for floating pins, have stronger and larger diameter rods bolts, and are available in lengths to suit the desired rod ratio.
The material of stock rings depends on application and the ring’s location on the piston. To handle the heat, top rings are made of ductile iron or steel with a face coating of plasma molybdenum or chromium. Chrome-faced rings are very durable and ideal for engines operated in dusty conditions. Second rings are not exposed to as much heat, and can be made of cast iron. For optimal ring seal, the cylinder wall finish must match the type of ring. Compression rings are split to facilitate installation, leaving a gap when the piston and rings are installed in the cylinder. This gap must be within specs or excessive blow-by can result.
The modern trend in performance piston ring design is for thinner rings, with some of the latest ring packs featuring 1mm top and 2nd rings, and 2mm oil control rings. Thinner rings create less friction while at the same time conforming to the bore better for improved sealing and superior oil control. To ensure durability these rings are made from steel or ductile iron and the compression rings receive a plasma-moly, chrome, or proprietary coating to resist heat and wear. The ring face may also be lapped for faster break-in. Besides less drag and lower weight, thinner rings also allow more options for piston design.
Featured Brands
Related Categories
Engine Assemblies
Motor Mounts
Engine Blocks
Valves & Valvetrain Parts
Oil Filters
Serpentine Belts & Auxiliary Drive Belts
Valve Covers
Timing Gears, Chains & Covers
Engine Oil Pans, Drain Plugs & Dipsticks
Cylinder Heads
Timing Belts
Engine Pulleys
Engine Sensors, Relays, Switches & Connectors
Oil Pumps
Drive Belt Tensioners
Oil Coolers
Camshafts
Crankshafts
Engine Management Systems
Engine Bearings
Harmonic Balancers
Engine Rebuild Kits
Oil Catch Cans
Balance Shafts
Engine Swap Kits
Engine Wiring Harnesses
Intercoolers
Throttle Bodies
Carburetors
Motor Oils