Skunk2 Alpha Series K20 Connecting Rods
If you’re planning to lean on your K20 and actually use the top of the tach, these Skunk2 Alpha Series connecting rods are the kind of parts you can trust when things get serious. They’re built for K20A and K20Z engines and are a proven choice in Honda Civic Si and Acura RSX Type-S builds that see real abuse—street pulls, drag passes, or long sessions on a road course.
Skunk2 forges these rods from 4340 chromoly steel and uses a straight H-beam design, which gives you the strength you need without making your rotating assembly unnecessarily heavy. These aren’t “spec sheet” rods—they’re the same ones people run in 700–900+ horsepower turbo K20 setups on E85 when everything else in the build is up to the task. If you’re shopping for K20 connecting rods that won’t turn into pretzels under boost, this is the set a lot of experienced builders trust.
Every Alpha Series rod is properly heat-treated, tempered, and shot-peened, so you’re not just buying shiny chromoly parts—you’re getting rods that can survive high RPM, detonation mistakes, and long, hard pulls. Skunk2 also magna-flux tests each rod to catch microscopic flaws before they ever end up in your engine. That means fewer surprises when you’re pushing the car instead of babying it.
Whether you’re putting together a 500 hp street-driven Civic Si or a full-send RSX Type-S drag car, these high-performance K20 connecting rods give you real strength and consistency without forcing you into “race-only” pricing. Build it once, build it right, and don’t worry about the rods being the weak link.
Features
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4340 Chromoly Steel: Built to handle serious cylinder pressure and high RPM—far stronger than factory powdered metal rods.
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Straight H-Beam Design: Keeps weight reasonable while staying stiff enough for high-boost turbo and high-compression builds.
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Heat-Treated & Tempered: Ensures consistent strength from rod to rod, which matters when you’re spinning past 8,500 rpm.
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Shot-Peened Surface: Helps reduce stress risers and fatigue cracking on hard-driven track and drag cars.
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Magna-Flux Tested: Every rod is inspected for microscopic flaws before it leaves Skunk2.
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Rated for 900+ HP: With proper tuning and machine work, these rods handle more power than most street K20s will ever see.
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Precision Machining: Tight big-end and small-end tolerances help bearings live longer and keep clearances where your builder set them.
Engine Fitment
Vehicle Applications
- 2002–2006 Acura RSX Type-S
- 2006–2011 Honda Civic Si
- K-swapped vehicles using the above K20 engines
Common Questions
How much power can these rods really handle?
Skunk2 rates the Alpha Series rods for 900+ horsepower. In real-world builds, plenty of people run them at 700–800 hp without issues when the tune, fuel system, and clearances are right. On a 400–600 hp setup, the rods won’t be your problem—other parts will tap out first.
What sets these apart from other K20 rods?
These rods sit right in the sweet spot. You get forged 4340 material, real quality control, and a proven H-beam design without paying boutique-brand prices. They’re not the absolute lightest rods out there, but that extra material is exactly why they survive big boost and high RPM.
Are these good for street-driven cars?
Absolutely. If your street car sees boost, aggressive cams, or high RPM, these rods give you peace of mind without sacrificing reliability when built correctly.
If you’re ready to upgrade your bottom end and want K20 connecting rods you don’t have to second-guess, these Skunk2 Alpha Series rods have already earned their reputation in hard-used Civic Si and RSX builds.
Technical details:
Material: Forged 4340 chromoly steel
Design: Straight H-beam
Features: Heat-treated, tempered, and shot-peened, Magna-flux tested for integrity, Capable of handling over 900 hp
Benefits: Optimal strength-to-weight ratio, Superior durability and strength, Consistent and reliable performance under extreme conditions, Precision machining for superior functionality
Install Guide:
Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper fitment and optimal performance. Ensure compatibility with your Honda Civic or Acura RSX K20A/Z engine.
