Key Features
The Skunk2 Alpha Series connecting rods are designed for serious performance engine builds.
Specifications
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Part Number: 306-05-1190
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Rod Style: Alpha Series forged connecting rods
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Material: High-strength forged steel
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Application: Honda D-series engines
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Configuration: Set of 4 connecting rods
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Performance Use: Turbocharged or high-RPM builds
These rods are engineered to provide improved durability and strength for engines producing significantly more power than factory configurations.
Alpha Series Connecting Rods for the Honda SOHC D16A and ZC engines using Vitara pistons. Alpha Series Rods are forged from select 4340 chromoly steel and feature a straight H-beam design, resulting in the ultimate strength-to-weight ratio.
Skunk2 D16 Connecting Rods Performance Benefits
Upgrading to forged connecting rods provides several advantages for performance builds.
Benefits include
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Increased strength for turbocharged engines
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Improved durability at high RPM
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Greater resistance to rod bending
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Suitable for high horsepower builds
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Improved bottom-end reliability
For D-series engines running turbochargers or aggressive tuning, upgraded rods help prevent catastrophic engine failure.
4340 chromoly is one of the strongest materials available, however, not all 4340 chromoly is the same. As such, Skunk2 relies on extensive material testing and works closely with its foundry to produce high-quality rods at an affordable price. Comprehensive heat-treating, tempering, and shot-peening processes together ensure that each Alpha Series Rod remains consistent and strong. Finally, each rod is magna-fluxed to ensure integrity and that each process has been completed thoroughly and according to Skunk2’s rigid specifications.
Compatible Engines
These rods are designed for several Honda D-series engines including:
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Honda D16
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Honda ZC
The D-series engine family is widely used in Honda compact vehicles and remains popular for budget performance builds.
Compatible Vehicles
Typical vehicle applications include:
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Honda Civic
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Honda CRX
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Honda Civic Del Sol
These platforms frequently use D-series engines and are commonly modified for performance builds.
Skunk2’s engineers spent nearly three years developing and testing its straight H-beam rod design. The results are one of the strongest beam configurations available, capable of handling more than 900 hp. Engineers made use of FEA (Finite Element Analysis) to determine high-stress points and implemented features to reduce wear and increase strength. Skunk2’s straight design distributes stress across a larger area when compared to tapered rods, providing additional support where necessary.
Why Stronger Connecting Rods Matter
Connecting rods handle enormous stress as they transfer power between the pistons and crankshaft. When horsepower increases, the load placed on these components increases dramatically.
Stronger rods help:
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Prevent rod failure under boost
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Maintain stability at high RPM
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Support higher horsepower levels
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Improve overall engine reliability
For turbocharged D-series builds, upgrading the bottom end is essential before increasing boost pressure.
Alpha Series Rods are manufactured from two-piece forgings, resulting in optimal grain orientation along the rod cap for increased strength. By orienting the metal’s grain in the direction of stress along the rod cap, perpendicular to the stress exerted along the beam, strength is significantly increased. Skunk2’s two-piece forgings provide a precision-tight fit between the rod’s cap and its beam without resorting to the brittle materials required by other processes.
Why Choose Skunk2 Racing Skunk2 D16 Connecting Rods?
Skunk2 Racing is one of the most respected names in Honda performance engineering. Their Alpha Series components are designed to deliver race-proven durability and precision manufacturing for serious engine builds.
For Honda enthusiasts building high-performance D-series engines, Skunk2 components offer the quality and reliability needed for demanding performance applications.
Alpha Series Rods also feature dual oil passages at their pin ends, providing additional lubrication and cooling, which leads to an even stronger, more durable rod. Unlike other designs, Skunk2’s carefully positioned, offset oil passages help deliver lubrication around the entire wrist pin, during each phase of the engine cycle. Connecting rod bolts endure more stress than any other engine fastener. Each Alpha Series Rod features high-quality, Skunk2-branded, 3/8-inch ARP2000 bolts. ARP2000 rod bolts are forged, heat-treated, precision-machined, and capable of clamping loads as high as 220,000 psi. Precision-machined, bronze wrist pin bushings are also fitted to each Alpha Series Rod for increased wear resistance, and are compatible with most aftermarket pistons without additional machining.
Final Thoughts
The Skunk2 Racing Alpha Series Connecting Rods (306-05-1190) are a strong upgrade for Honda D16 and ZC engine builds. With forged construction and performance-focused engineering, these rods provide the durability needed for turbocharged or high-RPM setups.
For Honda builders looking to push their D-series engines beyond factory power levels, upgraded connecting rods help ensure the engine’s bottom end can handle serious performance.
Not all forged H-beam rods are the same. Only Skunk2’s Alpha Series Rods feature our unique design, precision machining, and are capable of handling more than 900 hp, all at an economical price. Features: Set of 4 Precision Machined Length: 138.63mm Weight: 510 grams 3/8-Inch ARP2000/Skunk2 bolts Shot-peened for reduced fatigue Bronze wrist pin bushings Laser-etched Skunk2 logo for authenticity Fatter, H-beam design without drastic weight increase Pin end compatible with most aftermarket pistons without machining Not compatible with OEM style pistons. Dual-pin oil passages for increased lubrication and strength 900+ hp capable Balanced +/- 1 gram Magna-flux inspected Heat-treated FEA analyzed Notes:Piston may require minor shaving depending on brand and design Fitment: 1988 – 2000 Honda Civic (1.6L EX SOHC D Series) 1993 – 1997 Honda Del Sol (1.6L Si SOHC D Series) 1988 – 1991 Honda CR-X (1.6L Si SOHC D Series)
Forged 4340 chromoly steel featuring a straight H-beam design for the ultimate strength-to-weight ratio
Dual-pin oil passages for increased lubrication
High-quality, Skunk2-branded, 3/8-inch ARP2000 bolts
900+ hp capable
Length: 138.63mm Weight: 510 grams Balanced +/- 1 gram
Shot-peened for reduced fatigue
Bronze wrist pin bushings
Fitment: 1988 – 2000 Honda Civic 1.6L EX SOHC D Series, 1993 – 1997 Honda Del Sol 1.6L Si SOHC D Series and 1988 – 1991 Honda CR-X 1.6L Si SOHC D Series
Fit type: Vehicle Specific
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