When it comes to high-performance engine components, few names carry the quiet confidence of Bridgeway. Established in 1995 and headquartered in Asia, Bridgeway has grown from a specialist exporter into a globally respected manufacturer of crankshafts and connecting rods. While some customers may approach Asian-made parts with hesitation, Bridgeway’s reputation is built on rigorous quality control, advanced metallurgy, and a commitment to motorsport-grade engineering, proving that excellence isn’t bound by geography.
Today, Bridgeway produces over 40,000 connecting rods annually, supplying race teams, engine builders, and performance enthusiasts across Europe, the Americas, and beyond. Their rods are crafted from premium 4340 chromoly steel, undergo strict heat treatment and nitriding processes, and are finished with genuine ARP fasteners. Whether you're building a turbocharged drift car or a naturally aspirated track weapon, Bridgeway offers a range of solutions tailored to serious performance
Looking to purchase BW rods? Check them out here!
I-Beam vs H-Beam Connecting Rods: What’s the Difference?
Choosing the right connecting rod design is more than just a matter of preference, it’s about matching the rod to your engine’s demands. Bridgeway offers both I-beam and H-beam configurations, each with distinct advantages depending on your build.
I-Beam Rods
- Shape: Resembles the letter “I” in cross-section.
- Strengths: Lighter and better suited to high-revving, naturally aspirated engines.
- Applications: Ideal for builds where weight reduction and RPM capability are key — think track-day cars or fast-road setups.
- Why Choose I-Beam: If your engine sees sustained high RPMs but isn’t running forced induction, I-beam rods offer excellent strength-to-weight balance.
H-Beam Rods
- Shape: Features flanges that form an “H” profile.
- Strengths: More robust under compressive loads, making them ideal for high-torque, boosted applications.
- Applications: Perfect for turbocharged or supercharged engines, drag builds, or any setup pushing serious horsepower.
- Why Choose H-Beam: If your engine is running high boost or nitrous, H-beam rods provide the extra rigidity needed to handle extreme cylinder pressures.
Which Should You Choose?
As a rule of thumb:
- Naturally aspirated, high-revving builds → I-beam
- Boosted, high-torque builds → H-beam
That said, modern manufacturing has narrowed the gap between the two. Bridgeway’s rods whether I or H are shot-peened, magnafluxed, and weight-matched for consistency, so you’re getting race-ready quality either way.
Final Thoughts
Bridgeway may not carry the same brand recognition as some Western manufacturers, but their engineering speaks for itself. With meticulous attention to detail and a proven track record in motorsport, they’re a smart choice for builders who value performance without compromise.
If you're weighing up options for your next engine build. Bridgeway rods are built to perform and they do so with precision, reliability, and a surprising amount of pedigree.