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2.0L 16v - Duratec-HE MPI
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2.0L 16v - Duratec-HE MPI
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Set of 4 forged 4340 steel connecting rods for Ford 2.0L 16V Duratec HE.
The Ford Duratec HE is an inline four-cylinder, 1,999 cc 16-valve naturally aspirated engine, introduced around 2000 and sharing its architecture with the Mazda LF block (MZR family). With an 87.5 mm bore and an 83.1 mm stroke, it powers many Ford models (Mondeo III, Focus II, C-Max, Fiesta ST) under the codes CJBA, AOWA, AOBA, N4JA and N4JB, with factory output of roughly 145 to 150 hp.
A modern, sturdy block, the Duratec HE is a popular tuning base, especially for turbo or supercharger conversions. As soon as power and cylinder pressure rise, the stock rod, not designed for such loads, becomes the weak link. Forged connecting rods secure the power increase and unlock the engine's full potential over time.
Forged connecting rods are among the key parts of any engine build. Forged from steel and then precision-machined, they offer mechanical strength and fatigue resistance far above the stock sintered-metal rods, which quickly reach their limits as power rises.
Each rod is balanced and supplied with its ARP high-performance hardware. Available in I-Beam or H-Beam profile depending on the build level, they secure large power gains and high rpm, where the stock rod eventually bends or breaks.
| Reference | Brand | Profile | Bolts | Pin diameter OEM 21 mm | Small-end width | Big-end diameter OEM 50 mm | Big-end width | Center-to-center OEM 146.25 mm | Weight per rod |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-FOR-004-H | ZRP | H | ARP 2000-3/8"-38mm | 21 mm | 50 mm | 21.8 mm | 146.25 mm | 471 g | |
| R-FOR-004-H-L19 | ZRP | H | ARP L19-3/8"-38mm | 21 mm | 50 mm | 21.8 mm | 146.25 mm | 471 g | |
| R-FOR-004-I | ZRP | I | ARP 2000-3/8"-38mm | 21 mm | 50 mm | 21.8 mm | 146.25 mm | 515 g | |
| R-FOR-004-I-L19 | ZRP | I | ARP L19-3/8"-38mm | 21 mm | 50 mm | 21.8 mm | 146.25 mm | 515 g |
| Rod | Bolts | Torque | Recommended stretch |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZRP (R-FOR-004-H) | ARP 2000 | 61 N·m | 0.140 – 0.152 mm |
| ZRP (R-FOR-004-H-L19) | ARP L19 | 67.8 N·m | 0.152 – 0.165 mm |
| ZRP (R-FOR-004-I) | ARP 2000 | 61 N·m | 0.140 – 0.152 mm |
| ZRP (R-FOR-004-I-L19) | ARP L19 | 67.8 N·m | 0.152 – 0.165 mm |
Manufacturers recommend the stretch-gauge method as the reference: the instructions supplied with the kit always take precedence. The torque figures correspond to assembly with ARP lubricant.
| 4340 steel is a nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy steel used in aerospace and motorsport alike. Forged then heat-treated (quench and temper), it offers excellent tensile strength, high fatigue resistance and real ductility. Compared with an original rod (often sintered/powder metal, optimised for series-production cost), a 4340 forged rod shows roughly +19% higher yield strength, +8% higher tensile strength and above all +19% to +37% higher fatigue strength, i.e. a fatigue life under cyclic loading several times longer. This is what makes forged 4340 the reference material as soon as boost and rpm climb. |
 | I-Beam profile. With its slimmer central section, the I-Beam rod is lighter: less inertia and freer rev pickup. It is the preferred profile for rev-oriented builds and moderate turbo conversions of the Duratec HE. |
 | H-Beam profile. The H-shaped section offers high rigidity and excellent resistance to bending and compression. Slightly heavier than an I-Beam rod, it favours strength: the choice for high-torque, high-boost Duratec HE builds. |
The rod bolt is one of the most heavily stressed parts in the engine. The key is to match the ARP grade to the real use of the build, then to strictly follow the assembly torque and stretch.
 | ARP 2000 (tensile strength ~220,000 psi, i.e. ~1,517 MPa) is the high-performance standard. Suited to builds up to 150 hp per cylinder with 5/16" bolts or 200 hp per cylinder with 3/8" bolts, and up to 8,500 rpm, it is the most common grade in circuit, track days, drift, rally, drag and hillclimb, recognised for its strength, reliability and versatility, with no particular storage constraints. |
 | L19 (tensile strength ~260,000 psi, i.e. ~1,793 MPa) is designed for engines pushed to the extreme, up to 200 hp per cylinder with 5/16" bolts or 250 hp per cylinder with 3/8" bolts, and up to 10,000 rpm: very high boost pressure, sustained high rpm and high cylinder pressure. It is the choice for big-power builds: drag racing, drift, rally and circuit use. Caution: sensitive to corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement, it must always be stored and fitted oiled, away from moisture. |
In addition to torque tightening, measuring rod-bolt stretch is the most reliable check for optimal preload. The check is done with the bolt fitted: place the gauge (dial indicator) on the two ends of the bolt and read its actual stretch, which must match the recommended value (see the torque & stretch table above). This method removes the friction variations inherent in torque tightening and secures the assembly on heavily stressed engines. |
 | ZRP makes 4340 forged connecting rods known for their strength and precision, offered here in I-Beam or H-Beam profile with ARP 2000 or ARP L19 hardware. |
 | 1) Small end 2) Small-end diameter 3) Rod beam 4) Rod bolt 5) Big end 6) Rod nut / bolt 7) Rod cap 8) Big-end diameter 9) Center-to-center |
These forged connecting rods are compatible with the 2.0 16V versions of the Ford Duratec HE engine. They are aimed at builds (big naturally-aspirated, turbo or supercharger conversions) that exceed the loads the stock rod can handle.
| Brand | Model (chassis) | Engine code | Power | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford | Mondeo III (B5Y) | CJBA | 145 hp | 2000–2007 |
| Ford | Focus II / C-Max (DA3, DM2) | AOWA / AOBA | 145 hp | 2003–2010 |
| Ford | Fiesta ST (JH1, JD3) | N4JA / N4JB | 150 hp | 2004–2008 |
OEM reference:
Investing in forged connecting rods means, above all, protecting the whole engine. A stock rod that lets go almost always destroys the block, the crankshaft and the cylinder head.
For the Duratec HE, the extra cost of forged rods is nothing compared with the price of a full rebuild after a failure. It is the guarantee of a reliable build, able to handle the added power over time.
With their included ARP hardware and the choice between I-Beam and H-Beam profiles, these forged connecting rods offer the best balance of performance, mechanical safety and durability for your Ford Duratec HE.
