All production connecting rods since the beginning of production were a 144.78mm (5.7") rod with 9mm (0.354") fasteners and made of heat treated forged steel. They use the same rod journal diameter as an early Small Block, measuring in at 50.7mm (2.0")

When Chevrolet increased the stroke of the 2.8L to make the 3.1L the connecting rod was not changed. The piston pin was moved up in the piston to accommodate the longer stroke. Chevrolet recommends these rods to a maximum engine speed of 7000RPM a testament to the quality of the 60 degree V6 production.

Later model connecting rods introduced in 2004 for the large rod journal crank are made from forged powder metal. These rods are strong and are great for stock or mildly modified motors. However for higher performance at high RPM forged rods are preferred.

For the highest performance motors custom rods are a good choice. Rods can be ordered with any dimension you choose or a cheaper option would be to buy small journal Small Block Chevy rods and have the big end narrowed to match that of the 60 Degree V6 rod and the pin bore bushed down to the 60 Degree V6 size if using the stock pin. If your are ordering custom pistons then just use a Small Block Chevy pin size with a Small Block rod.