Key Features
The Skunk2 Alpha Series connecting rods are engineered for high-performance engine builds.
Specifications
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Part Number: 306-05-1130
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Rod Style: Alpha Series forged connecting rods
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Material: High-strength forged steel
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Configuration: Set of 4 connecting rods
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Application: Performance engine builds and rebuilds
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Compatibility: Honda B18 and B20 engines
These rods are designed to provide improved strength and durability compared to stock connecting rods.
Alpha Series Connecting Rods for the Honda B18A, B18B, B20A, and B20Z engines. 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. 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.
Skunk2 B18 B20 Connecting Rods Performance Benefits
Upgrading to forged connecting rods provides several advantages for performance engine builds.
Benefits include
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Increased strength for turbocharged builds
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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 applications
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Improved bottom-end reliability
For turbocharged or high-compression B-series engines, stronger rods help prevent catastrophic engine damage.
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. 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.
Compatible Engines
These rods are designed for several Honda B-series engines including:
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Honda B18A
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Honda B18B
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Honda B20A
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Honda B20Z
The B-series platform remains one of the most popular Honda engines for performance builds and engine swaps.
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. 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.
Compatible Vehicles
Typical vehicle applications include:
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Acura Integra
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Honda CR‑V
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Honda Civic
These engines are frequently used in performance builds, turbo projects, and high-RPM naturally aspirated setups.
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. 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.
Why Stronger Connecting Rods Matter
Connecting rods transfer force between the piston and crankshaft, and they experience enormous loads during combustion. Increasing horsepower or boost significantly increases stress on these components.
Stronger rods help:
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Prevent rod failure under high boost
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Maintain engine stability at high RPM
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Support increased horsepower levels
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Improve engine durability in racing conditions
For serious B-series builds, upgrading the bottom end is essential before increasing boost or horsepower.
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. 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: 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: 137.00mm | Weight: 538 grams | Balanced +/- 1 gram Shot-peened for reduced fatigue Bronze wrist pin bushings Fitment: 1999 – 2000 Honda Civic (1.6L Si) 1997 – 2001 Honda CR-V (2.0L EX/LX/SE)
Why Choose Skunk2 Racing Skunk2 B18 B20 Connecting Rods?
Skunk2 Racing is widely respected in the Honda performance community for producing high-quality racing components. Their Alpha Series engine internals are engineered for durability and precision, making them popular among enthusiasts and professional engine builders alike.
Final Thoughts
The Skunk2 Racing Alpha Series Connecting Rods (306-05-1130) are a strong upgrade for Honda B18 and B20 engine builds. With forged steel construction and performance-focused engineering, these rods provide the durability required for turbocharged, high-RPM, or high-horsepower applications.
For Honda enthusiasts building a serious B-series performance engine, stronger connecting rods are one of the most critical upgrades to ensure the engine’s bottom end can handle increased power.
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: 137.00mm | Weight: 538 grams | Balanced +/- 1 gram
Shot-peened for reduced fatigue
Bronze wrist pin bushings
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