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2.0L 16v - F4RT 776/874
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2.0L 16v - F4RT 776/874
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Set of 4 forged 4340-steel connecting rods for Renault F4R, F7R and F7P 2.0/1.8 16V.
The F7P, F7R and F4R make up the 16-valve line of Renault's "F-Type" engine, a cornerstone of Renault Sport. The F7P launched the family in 1991: a 1.8L 16V (1,764 cc, 82 mm × 83.5 mm) powering the Clio 16S and Williams. The F7R then raised displacement to 2.0L 16V (Clio Williams, Mégane Coupé, around 147 hp). The F4R, introduced in 1998, made the 2.0L 16V (1,998 cc, 82.7 mm × 93 mm) widespread across the Clio RS and Mégane RS, both naturally aspirated and turbocharged (F4Rt), from 138 to 275 hp depending on the model.
The whole F family shares the same rotating assembly (144 mm rod centre distance), allowing a single forged rod. Hugely popular in motorsport and tuning (Clio RS, Mégane RS), the F4R readily takes boost and higher revs. But beyond factory figures, the stock connecting rod becomes the weak link, which is where forged connecting rods come in.
Machined from high-strength 4340 steel, these forged connecting rods reinforce the bottom end of the F4R, F7R and F7P as power rises. They become essential when fitting forged pistons, building a turbo setup, raising the rev limit or enlarging displacement, where the stock rod reaches its limits.
Built to withstand the heavy loads of tuned F engines (naturally aspirated as well as turbo), they suit every discipline (rally, circuit and track days, drift, drag, hillclimb, time attack) and support Stage 2, Stage 3 and beyond. Depending on the profile (I or H) and bolts chosen, they safely handle targets of several hundred horsepower.
| Reference | Brand | Profile | Bolts | Pin diameter OEM 21 mm | Small-end width | Big-end diameter OEM 51,6 mm | Big-end width | Center-to-center OEM 144 mm | Weight per rod |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-REN-001-I | ZRP | I | ARP 2000-3/8"-38mm | 21 mm | 51,6 mm | 25 mm | 144 mm | 513 g | |
| R-REN-001-I-L19 | ZRP | I | ARP L19-3/8"-38mm | 21 mm | 51,6 mm | 25 mm | 144 mm | 513 g | |
| KCR021A | Wössner | I | ARP 2000-3/8"-38mm | 21 mm | 25 mm | 51,6 mm | 25 mm | 144 mm | 614 g |
| KCR021H | Wössner | H | ARP 2000-3/8"-38mm | 21 mm | 25 mm | 51,6 mm | 25 mm | 144 mm | 543 g |
| 14423-4 | Manley | I-HD | ARP 2000-3/8"-38mm | 21 mm | 51,59 mm | 24,99 mm | 144 mm | 615 g |
| Rod | Bolts | Torque | Recommended stretch |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZRP (R-REN-001-I) | ARP 2000 | 61 N·m | 0,140 – 0,152 mm |
| ZRP (R-REN-001-I-L19) | ARP L19 | 67,8 N·m | 0,152 – 0,165 mm |
| Wössner (KCR021A) | ARP 2000 | 74,6 N·m | 0,140 – 0,152 mm |
| Wössner (KCR021H) | ARP 2000 | 74,6 N·m | 0,140 – 0,152 mm |
| Manley (14423-4) | ARP 2000 | 81,3 N·m | 0,147 – 0,157 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 thinner central section, the I-beam rod is lighter: less inertia and freer rev pick-up. It is the preferred profile on modern turbo engines like the F4R. Its I-HD (Heavy Duty) version is a reinforced variant, designed for higher loads. |
 | H-beam profile. “H”-shaped section offering great rigidity and excellent resistance to bending and compression. Slightly heavier than an I-beam, it favours strength: the choice for high-torque engines, large displacements and drag. On a torque-oriented, reliability-focused F4R, it is a safe bet. |
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 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. ~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, a Greek brand of high-performance forged connecting rods, designed by Alex Drakos in Athens. Each rod is forged from 4340 steel, precision-machined and balanced to ±1 g to stay reliable at high rpm. Available in I-beam or H-beam profile with ARP 2000, L19 or Custom Age 625+ bolts, they are designed and inspected in Greece, and proven in rally, on circuit and in drift. |
 | Wössner, a German forge renowned for its high-performance forged pistons and rods. Its rods are forged from 4340 steel, carefully machined and balanced, then supplied with ARP 2000 bolts (3/8"). The optimised I-beam profile seeks the best compromise between lightness and strength on boosted engines. |
 | MANLEY, an American forged connecting rod manufacturer since 1966. Machined from vacuum-degassed aerospace-grade 4340 steel, shot-peened and inspected one by one, its “Turbo Tuff” rods come in H-beam and I-beam profiles, with ARP 2000 or Custom Age 625+ bolts. A major name in engine building, from street to competition. |
 | 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 fit the Renault 16-valve F-family engines listed below:
| Brand | Model (chassis) | Engine code | Power | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renault | Clio II RS 172 / 182 (X65) | F4R | 172-182 hp | 1999-2005 |
| Renault | Clio III RS 197 / 200 (R) | F4R | 197-203 hp | 2006-2013 |
| Renault | Mégane II RS 225 / 230 (M) | F4R | 225-230 hp | 2004-2009 |
| Renault | Mégane III RS 250 / 265 / 275 (Z) | F4R | 250-275 hp | 2009-2017 |
| Renault | Mégane I Coupé 2.0 16V | F7R | 147 hp | 1996-1999 |
| Renault | Clio Williams / 16S (X57) | F7P | 137-150 hp | 1991-1998 |
| Renault | Laguna I 2.0 16V | F4R | 139 hp | 1998-2001 |
OEM reference: 7701478497 (set of 4 rods).
When a stock bottom end fails (a broken, bent or scored rod), returning to factory specification means replacing both rods and pistons, which are often damaged at the same time. The bill rises quickly for a mere repair.
For a comparable or even lower budget, forged 4340-steel connecting rods combined with forged pistons deliver far greater reliability and safety margin, plus real headroom for future power increases.
Choosing forged connecting rods means opting for a lasting solution rather than a temporary fix.
