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STUFF

It's what makes Vader, VADER.

Introducing

VADER v3.0

THE ART OF EXCELLENCE

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No Serrations

We didn't buy into the "serrated circle edge" concept of locating the cap. Using hardened steel dowel pins is the only way to fully achieve strict cap alignment and maintain bore concentricity under brutal conditions...all the time and every time.

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F1 Beams

A completely redesigned beam from the ground up! Formula 1 car inspired delivering superb strength and twist resistance while keeping the rod as light as possible.

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VADER Coated

NOT a chemical treatment but a highly exotic sprayed-on, thermal dispersant coating that increases the longevity of the rod by lowering its core temperature.

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CAPS

A completely new cap design featuring a wider mating area at the parting line to decrease "rocking" while at the same time, keeping the weight down by strategic lightening procedures.

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PEDAL TO THE MEDAL

This exotic alloy was chosen for its insane resistance to fatigue crack propagation with "off the charts" fracture toughness...all greater than the competitors' 7075 alloys.

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Pin End

Specially designed pin oiling grooves, as well as a "tear-dropped", more robust pin end for extra pin lubricity and strength...with material added only where it's needed most.

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GO TO THE DARK TO SEE THE LIGHT

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alloy bar stock to create our racing rods in raw form

EMBRYONIC STAGE

Life as a VADER rod starts right here. Raw rod stock awaiting to be cut, sliced, diced, drilled, and contoured into something wonderful.

VADER racing rod in vibratory tumbler machine

GOOD VIBRATIONS

We also drop the entire connecting rod into a vibratory machine to not only fine-tune some de-burring duties but to eliminate stress risers at the same time.

VADER racing rod being measured on sunnen bore guage

HONED TO PERFECTION

As a standard practice to do at this power level, the big-end bores are precision honed (within .0002″) to precise “on split” standards, and pin bores are honed with the proper clearance to the pin—no tapered bores…no blown-out ends.

REAL WORLD FACTS

So, you want REAL-WORLD facts?  We can share a few of our customer’s past experiences while using our VADER racing rods on both street and track:

  • 200+ passes for three seasons in a 7-second Outlaw car exceeding 250 horse per bore

  • Over 400 highly abusive passes spinning them at over 10 grand through the traps in a consistent 7-second bracket car

  • Exceeding 9 years of hard use in a 600-horse weekend street car

Of course, these numbers aren't a "catch-all" for every racing scenario out there. But nonetheless, these big little tidbits are sort of a big deal...and just a very small sampling of what our VADER racing rods are being subjected to right at the track...not at the bench.

SEASON USAGE
PASSES
YEARS OF USE

CUSTOMER SOAPBOX

"When I opened the box, my first thought was 'These rods are too nice to hide inside a motor!' I'm very impressed with FFWD's quality and service. Totally bad-ass!"  -Daniel Tanner

"I've tried every rod on the market, and when I gave these a go, I knew I had found a new rod supplier for our racing program. We're in for keeps!" -Peter Bauer

"VADERS are the only rods that lasted us the entire season in our bracket car. That in itself kept our point standing intact to stay in the game. Customer for life." -John Strictland

"Being a weekend warrior, I didn't have a large racing budget. Although these rods aren't the cheapest, you do have to be rich to buy cheap parts. Thanks guys for the hook-up!" -Charles Brinkman

WHY FFWD?

UNCOMPROMISED QUALITY

We continually strive to put a smile on our customers' face by creating connecting rods with incredible attention to detail. OCD is at full throttle as we constantly improve our products to exceed their expectations.

EXPERIENCE

FFWD has been producing superior quality racing components and giving unparalleled service and support in the automotive performance sector since 1999. It's no wonder why we have so many repeat customers and gaining new ones each and every day.

PEOPLE'S CHOICE

When people are asked why they use VADER racing rods, the answers are nearly always the same: "unique", "reliability", and "impeccable service". We treat our customers like family!

Are you ready to get started?

Not quite sure yet?

Please visit our contact page. We would love to discuss your high-performance connecting rod needs.

You can count on FFWD to deliver the high-quality aluminum connecting rods that your racing program requires. If other rod manufacturers can't do it, we want to!

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