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1.4L 8v - 146A8
Manufacturers
1.4L 8v - 146A8
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Set of 4 forged 4340 steel connecting rods for Fiat 1.4 8V Turbo (146A / 176A).
Brands: ZRP
Compatibility: Fiat Uno Turbo i.e., Fiat Punto GT
Engine codes: 146A, 176A
Hardware included: ARP 2000 or L19
At the heart of the Fiat Uno Turbo i.e. and the Fiat Punto GT sits a 1,372 cc inline four-cylinder from the FIRE family (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine), an architecture Fiat designed to be assembled on a fully robotised line. With an 8-valve head and a single overhead camshaft, this compact, lightweight block gains a turbocharger that turns a modest displacement into a genuinely lively hot hatch : the hallmark of the pocket rockets of the 1980s and 1990s.
In the Uno Turbo i.e. (engine code 146A8) it delivers 114 hp from 1989 to 1993 ; in the Punto GT (code 176A4000) it climbs to 133 hp from 1993 to 1997. Full of character, this engine remains a favourite for tuning. But as soon as you raise boost pressure to gain power, the standard rotating assembly quickly reaches its limit : the sintered factory rod becomes the weak link, which is precisely what forged rods built for hard use are there to fix.
Machined from 4340 nickel-chromium-molybdenum steel, these forged rods replace the original sintered rods, which were sized for stock power rather than for the stresses of a tuned engine. Where the factory part bends or breaks under high cylinder pressure, the forged rod takes it without flinching and secures the bottom end of both the Uno Turbo and the Punto GT.
Whether your Fiat is used for rally, drift, drag, circuit, hill climb or time attack, these rods clear the way for a controlled power increase. They suit a Stage 1 build (stock turbo, revised mapping) just as well as a Stage 2 or Stage 3 with a larger turbo, bigger injectors and higher boost, where torque rises well beyond the 114-133 hp of the standard engine.
Each rod is forged then machined, shot-peened to relieve internal stress, dimensionally inspected and weight-matched for precise balancing of the assembly. The set of 4 rods is supplied complete with its high-performance hardware, ready to fit.
| Reference | Brand | Profile | Hardware | Pin bore | Small-end width | Big-end bore | Big-end width | Centre distance | Weight per rod |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-FIA-001-I | ZRP | I | ARP 2000-3/8"-38mm | 22 mm | – | 48.6 mm | 25.4 mm | 128.5 mm | 492 g |
| R-FIA-001-I-L19 | ZRP | I | ARP L19-3/8"-38mm | 22 mm | – | 48.6 mm | 25.4 mm | 128.5 mm | 492 g |
| Rod | Hardware | Tightening torque | Recommended stretch |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZRP (R-FIA-001-I) | ARP 2000 | 61 N·m | 0.140 – 0.152 mm |
| ZRP (R-FIA-001-I-L19) | ARP L19 | 67.8 N·m | 0.152 – 0.165 mm |
Engine builders favour measuring bolt stretch (with a stretch gauge) over torque alone : the instructions supplied with the kit always take precedence. The torque figures assume assembly with ARP assembly lubricant.
| 4340 is a low-alloy steel with nickel, chromium and molybdenum, prized for its balance between mechanical strength and ductility. Forged then machined, it offers a yield strength roughly 19 % higher, a tensile strength about 8 % higher and fatigue endurance 19 to 37 % greater than the original sintered metal : that much more margin under heavy load and high rpm. |
 | I profile. An I-shaped central section, the best compromise between light weight and stiffness. It keeps reciprocating mass low while handling high torque : an ideal choice for turbo builds of the Uno Turbo and the Punto GT. |
The rod bolt is among the most heavily stressed parts of the engine : it must keep the cap perfectly closed despite inertial loads, on every revolution. The kit is available with two grades of ARP hardware, to be chosen according to the level of tuning targeted.
 | ARP 2000 is the benchmark high-performance grade, with a tensile strength close to 220,000 psi (around 1,517 MPa). Fitted in 3/8", it handles builds up to 200 hp per cylinder and engine speeds reaching 8,500 rpm. It is the most widely used bolt in circuit racing, track days, drift, rally, drag and hillclimb, prized for its strength, reliability and versatility, with no special storage requirements. |
 | ARP L19 targets engines pushed to the extreme: its tensile strength is close to 260,000 psi (around 1,793 MPa) and it withstands up to 250 hp per cylinder in 3/8" as well as speeds of 10,000 rpm, coping with very high boost, sustained high rpm and elevated cylinder pressure. It is the grade for big-power builds: drag, drift, rally and circuit. Sensitive to corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement, it must be fitted and stored oiled, away from moisture. |
| In addition to torque, measuring bolt stretch with a dial gauge ensures a correct, repeatable preload. It is the reference method among engine builders : it avoids both under-tightening and over-tightening, the causes of loosening or breakage. |
 | ZRP is a Greek brand of high-performance forged rods, designed and manufactured by Alex Drakos in Athens. For the 1.4 8V Turbo FIRE, the range is offered in I profile, with ARP 2000 or ARP L19 hardware, in 4340 steel. |
 | 1) Small end 2) Small-end bore 3) Rod beam 4) Rod bolt 5) Big end 6) Rod nut / bolt 7) Rod cap 8) Big-end bore 9) Centre distance |
These forged rods are compatible with Fiat models fitted with the 1.4 8V turbo FIRE engine of the Uno Turbo i.e. and the Punto GT. Check your vehicle’s engine code before ordering.
| Make | Model (chassis) | Engine code | Power | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIAT | Uno Turbo i.e. (146A) | 146A8 | 114 hp | 1989–1993 |
| FIAT | Punto GT Turbo (176) | 176A4000 | 133 hp | 1993–1997 |
OEM reference:
When the original bottom end gives way - a broken or bent rod - fitting stock parts again simply recreates the same fragility. On a tuned 1.4 turbo, the sintered rod will always be the weak link.
For a comparable budget, 4340 forged rods bring lasting reliability and real power potential, without having to open the engine up again at every new stage.
For the same budget : more reliability, more margin and the peace of mind of driving hard without fearing a failure.
