Tuscan connecting rods for your Audi 2.7T engine represent the leading edge of technology for bottom end strength, reliability, and lightweight. Our Engineering staff utilizes the most modern technology to optimize these rods to a level never before seen at the enthusiast level. Give your engine a reliably strong connecting rod set that is rated for engines up to 1000BHP!Â
Unique I-beam design offers incredible bending and torsional stiffness
Includes ie spec arp 2000 rod bolts with "IE" stamp to ensure a genuine product
Application specific design optimized for the Audi 2.7t engine
Industry leading connecting rod strength to weight ratio
Honed to exacting tolerances within 250 millionths of an inch
Forced pin oiling (rifle drilling) provides long wrist pin longevity
Each connecting rod set is balanced to weights within +/- 1 gram
Forged from vacuum drawn 2 piece 4340 chrome moly steel
Dimensionally and magnaflux inspected for extreme reliability
Combination tested to over 1000 BHP
Multi-stage heat treated for dimensional stability and fatigue life
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Designed Through Technology
IE's Tuscan connecting rod sets for the Audi 2.7T engine are the best rods available for your European engine due to quality, custom application specific design, and thorough testing. Each Tuscan design is different from any other design because they are custom-crafted and optimized by our engineers using the latest CAD and FEA software. This is in contrast to the industry standard which simply resizes standard designs to fit new engines. Each application is rigorously tested in our in-house engine test cell. We have gone the extra mile to design specific big ends for each application, keeping the bearing in place and reducing chances of failures. This results in a connecting rod that is uniquely strong and light, for the ultimate in performance and reliability.
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Application Specific EngineeringÂ
Each model is detailed out with a unique feature set that ensures proper operation within the unique demands of that engine. There is a particular emphasis placed on providing a stable foundation for the connecting rod bearing. By providing a stable platform for the rod bearing, much higher reliability is possible. For that reason, the feature set is not consistent across all models of IE Tuscan rods.
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Torture Tested ReliabilityÂ
IE Tuscan rods for turbocharged applications feature a robust I-Beam design for incredible bending and torsional stiffness. Additionally, an extensive iterative process leads to the unique Egg shape of our rod beams, which lowers stresses as much as 20% compared to less evolved designs. This shape very evenly distributes the high compressive loading from a turbocharged engine onto the connecting rod beam. We then validated this success with over 18 months of field testing, powering numerous 4 cylinder VW / Audi engines with over 1000 bhp! In addition to being tough, IE Tuscan rods are also designed to minimize unnecessary weight on the connecting rod for an ultra-balanced weight to strength ratio.  Our engineering staff has spent countless hours trimming the fat- leaving exactly what is needed to get the reliability you want, with the weight you don't.Â
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Finished And Quality Controlled In USA
This level of attention to detail is mirrored in the manufacturing details as well. Each set of Tuscan connecting rods are honed in the USA to tolerances of around 250 millionths of an inch! This ensures amazing bearing reliability you really cannot find elsewhere in this price range. These rods are as round and true as any rods money can buy.Â
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Compatibility:
Audi - S4 1996-2001 (B5 - B5.5)Â 2.7T*
Audi - RS4 1996-2001 (B5 - B5.5)Â 2.7T*
Audi - A6 1998-2004 (C5)Â 2.7T*
Audi - A6 Allroad 1998-2004 (C5) 2.7T*
*Requires aftermarket 82mm pistons
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Compatible Pistons
IE Tuscan rods for the 2.7T engine have been designed for extreme horsepower applications. The big end side of the rod is a common failure point on the 2.7T rod design, to combat these, IE engineers have added extra strength to the crankshaft end of the connecting rod. This extra refinement is strength results in an oversized rod end and requires an aftermarket piston with an 82mm bore or larger. Not compatible with OEM piston bore.Â
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Compatible Bearings
OE replacement rod bearings - Part Number:Â OEM-18T-RBSET
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Manufactured by
Integrated Engineering (IE)
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Part Number
IERTVD1-RD (With Rifle Drilling)
IERTVD1 (No Rifle Drilling)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are these are a direct replacement for my factory rods?
These rods fit Audi 2.7T 30V engines when used with 82mm or larger bore size pistons with 21mm wrist pin pistons only. See the Fitment tab for a complete list of applications.Â
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Is there a proper orientation to install the bearing tangs on our connecting rods?
We recommend installing the bearings tangs facing the exhaust side of the engine.
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Are these connecting rods forged?
Yes, all Integrated Engineering Connecting Rods are manufactured from performance forgings. These forgings far exceed the quality of most factory rods that are typically made from powdered metal as a cost-saving measure.Â
Do these rods require any additional machine work for installation?
IE connecting rods are delivered to you in "ready to install" condition. Other engine machine work may be required though when rebuilding an engine, such as decking the block or boring and honing cylinder walls.
Is balancing the engine required when installing these connecting rods?
Since IE rods are sold in balanced sets this is not required. For the extreme performance application, this can still be done if desired.
What is the maximum RPM limit of these rods?
The maximum RPM limit can be affected by many factors. In this application, we suggest not exceeding 8500 RPM with ARP 2000 bolts. If you plan on exceeding this RPM level, consider upgrading to ARP 625+ bolts.
When should I upgrade to ARP 625+ rod bolts?
Generally speaking, high RPM conditions put the most stress on rod bolts as the rod and cap are literally being pulled in opposite directions. If you plan on pushing your engine far past factory redline or 8500 RPM we would suggest upgrading to 625+ ARP bolts. Contact us for specialty order +625 bolts.
Do I need rifle drilling?
Rifle drilling is not required. However, we do strongly recommend it for a daily driver and/or high mileage applications. Rifle drilling has been proven to extend wrist pin and bushing life and has also been utilized over the years in several VW/Audi factory connecting rods.
What are the most common reasons for connecting rod failure?
As one of highest stressed components in the engine, there are several things that can contribute to a failure. The most common failure is caused by improper installation followed by improper tuning. We recommend that you seek professional help for both installation and tuning. Oiling system health is also essential to ensuring safe engine operation. Momentary oil starvation can result in spun rod bearings and engine failure. In extreme applications also be sure that you are using heavy duty wrist pins. On many of the pistons, we offer we either include stout wrist pins or offer them as an upgrade.
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