Having the “Leaders in Technology” in the same facility allows us to easily overcome Design and Engineering challenges. Using our combined experience and tools, we push the limits of technology to ensure the customer the best product available. Together CP Pistons and Carrillo Rods are The Complete Connection.
CP has built a reputation of high end quality pistons, build to perform and out last; especially in powersport and sport compact. We are recognized as a technological leader in piston design and development for all venues for motorsports. We focus on providing industry-leading products and performance while maintaining the highest level of customer service. Proudly made in USA.
In the high pressure world of motorsports, some of the top names rely on CP Pistons to meet their needs. Here are few reasons why.
CP Pistons is backed by some of the brightest minds in the industry. This core group allows us to explore angles not possible using conventional methods. By enlisting the latest in cutting edge software packages, CP packages together creativity, experience and proven technology to bring you the best parts for your application. Our commitment to excellence continues to advance as the industry changes. This commitment has resulted in more forgings specific to certain applications, proprietary treated wrist pins and rings manufactured only for CP. Each of these aspects has been put through stringent research and development stages to ensure that our product will exceed your standards.
Each forging is designed using an advanced 3D modeling software package and is qualified through a rigorous Finite Element Analysis entity. 3D modeling enables CP to check thicknesses and weights before manufacturing allowing us to produce the strongest and lightest part for your application.
CP has developed proprietary tooling, dedicated cutters and unconventional fixtures to ensure that each piston is produced to the highest quality. Our 5-axis machining techniques allow us to create any piston while our computerized electronic inspection equipment makes sure we manufacture parts to the tightest tolerances in the industry.
CP Pistons is backed by a staff with over 100 years of experience. Our staff is committed to your success though technical support and account maintenance. All of our sales staff are equipped with comprehensive information from piston specs to applications, and are committed to grow our business in a positive and professional manner so that your business can do the same.
Whether you are a professional racer or a weekend warrior, CP prides itself to giving you the best part possible for your applications. All pistons at CP are put through a demanding quality control system and precise computerized machining, ensuring that your piston is the best piston available.
Along with a variety of trade shows CP attends each year, we continually promote our product through magazine articles and advertisements featured in top industry publications. Furthermore, many of the top names in motorsports proudly run our products and display CP decals on their race vehicles. We will continue to promote our product in a positive way so that your business will thrive.
Anti Detonation Grooves (Contact Reduction Grooves) are grooves that protect the top ring by disrupting detonation waves. Also know as contact reduction grooves, these grooves limit the piston/cylinder contact during high temperature and RPM.
Accumulator Groove is a V shaped groove machined in the 2nd ring land to collect excess blow-by between the top and second ring. This groove collects residual gasses during combustion and alleviates top ring flutter while increasing ring seal.
CP groove stands for Constant Pressure Groove. This groove works as a channel on the lower part of the top land that equalizes pressure to the back of the top ring groove.
When used in combination with lateral gas ports, the CP groove helps keep gas ports clear of carbon build up. In addition, the CP groove prevents the top land from smudging into the top ring if the land rubs the cylinder bore.
Double Pin Oilers in conjunction with our dual fed reservoir add twice the amount of oil from the cylinder wall to the wrist pin.
X-Forgings are designed to minimize friction and reduce weight without compromising strength. With the use of bracing and ribs, the forging is configured by adjusting the weight balance between high and low stress areas. This design enables the use of a shorter pin for added strength and weight savings.
Radius Domes are used to maximize quench while eliminating possible hot spots that promote detonation
Cam and Barrel: Extensive research and development has been done to find the optimum skirt shape for each piston. Having the correct cam and barrel on a part promotes the following:
Each new design is thoroughly researched and modeled on sophisticated 3 dimensional software to ensure maximum strength and weight savings.
The model is then transferred to an advanced Finite Element Analysis program to optimize design parameters for maximum strength and durability.
Advanced machining techniques enable CP to virtually create any shape on a piston. Strict quality control allows us to hold the closest tolerances in the industry.
From our shop to you front door, CP prides itself on offering the best service in the industry.
Among the many unique technological advances CP Pistons uses to ensure our customer’s performance edge, Maximum Internal Lightening (MIL) has quickly become one of the most effective. Although CP Pistons has one of the largest ranges of forgings available in the industry, there are still times when a customer’s requirements may result in a piston that is not an ideal match to the forging used. As a result, some areas may be thicker than the specific application may require. As we all know, more weight means a slower acceleration curve and more strain on the other internal components. Our MIL process allows us to remove that unnecessary material, freeing up that horsepower and reducing the load on the other components in your engine.
MIL is CP Pistons’ proprietary technology that creates a very lightweight piston, cutting away the excess material along the inside of a piston to match the contour of the external features. Our engineers use their knowledge of piston design, our in-house computer modeling software which can utilize FEA, and the performance needs of each individual customer to decide precisely how much inner material can be removed without decreasing reliability. Each internal profile design is perfected then machined on four and five axis CNC mills.
Lighten Up with MIL™
Among the many unique technological advances CP Pistons uses to ensure our customer’s performance edge, Maximum Internal Lightening (MIL™) has quickly become one of the most effective. Although CP Pistons has one of the largest ranges of forgings available in the industry, there are still times when a customer’s requirements may result in a piston that is not an ideal match to the forging used. As a result, some areas may be thicker than the specific application may require. As we all know, more weight means a slower acceleration curve and more strain on the other internal components. Our MIL™ process allows us to remove that unnecessary material, freeing up that horsepower and reducing the load on the other components in your engine. MIL™ is CP Pistons’ proprietary technology that creates a very lightweight piston, cutting away the excess material along the inside of a piston to match the contour of the external features. Our engineers use their knowledge of piston design, our in-house computer modeling software which can utilize FEA, and the performance needs of each individual customer to decide precisely how much inner material can be removed without decreasing reliability. Each internal profile design is perfected then machined on four and five axis CNC mills.
For use with our CPN and CPN2 piston rings, we recommend plateau honing with a cylinder bore cross hatch angle of 35-40 degrees.
To reach this roughness, the manufacturers of honing machines and accessories recommend using for a gray cast iron engine block and Nikasil cylinders.
After honing with either the conventional or diamond stone, the same manufacturers suggest to finish your honing by smoothing the surface with a fine grit conventional abrasive (#400 - #600 grit) or to sweep the bores with a flexible brush or a nylon bristle plateau honing tool. This is necessary to get rid of jagged peaks and folded or torn material.
Important Note: Be sure to confirm with your honing equipment manufacturer that the recommended stone grit will produce the following Rz and Ra roughness recommendations.
The following are guidelines for ring installation. Certain applications may require different clearances. Consult the enclosed charts and diagrams before installing rings.
Celebrating our 50th anniversary, the name Carrillo is synonymous with connecting rods. Carrillo has won more races in virtually every format of motorsports than any rod manufacturer in the world. We carry a full line of stock replacement rods and specialize in custom applications. We focus on providing industry-leading products and performance while maintaining the highest level of customer service. Proudly made in USA.
Since 1963, Carrillo is recognized as the preeminent custom connecting rod manufacturer in the world. Carrillo has provided custom and prototype connecting rods to virtually every major automotive and motorcycle venue, most notably to the high performance and speed equipment industry. Whether it is a development engine or a modified existing engine, when nothing but the finest, most accurate, proven part is needed, Carrillo has earned the reputation of simply being the best.
Carrillo has been working to improve the availability of our products to the entire motorsports industry. In an effort to allow more access to Carrillo’s unsurpassed attention to detail, exceptional processing, and proprietary materials, we increased our standard stocking inventory of parts.
In addition to our well known H beam connecting rod, we offer an A beam configuration as well. The A beam configuration is available in a Pro-A, Pro-A-Ltd and Pro-Super A (SA) and Heavy Duty configurations.
Typically, the Pro-A beam configuration is well suited for less demanding, more economical, high-performance, aftermarket applications. Pro-A-Ltd connecting rods are designed for limited and restricted motor applications. And the Carrillo Pro-Super-A (SA) bridges the gap between the Pro-H and Pro-A applications.
All versions of Pro-H and A are stocking parts, which are limited to the more popular dimensions and part numbers. To decide which beam type is best suited for your application, please call our Technical Sales staff. Together we can build a rod that is best suited for your application and needs.
Carrillo uses proprietary chrome, nickel, moly, vanadium alloy which meets all VAR (vacuum arc re-melt ASTM standards). The heat is validated, both by the supplier and an independent metallurgist whom confirm the desired physical and chemical properties of steel.
All heat treat processes are via a mar-aged operation, resulting in UTS of 195,000 with a yield of 182,000 while maintaining the critical elements of low notch-sensitivity and ductility.
All Carrillo connecting rods are manufactured from an oversized forging resulting in the proper grainflow as well as the surface removal of any potential inclusions or surface conversions generated by the forging process. All critical CNC machines at Carrillo are equipped with probing to accurately validate dimensional integrity. In the production process each part is magnafluxed at least twice, further each piece is Rockwell tested to validate the heat treat procedure. A final shotpeen operation completes the part.
Carrillo employs fasteners jointly designed by Carrillo. We employ two different materials: H-11 tool steel (220,000 UTS) as well as Multiphase TM (285,000 UTS). All our fasteners employ a patented thread design as well as the highest dimensional integrity in the industry. Each lot is sample tested destructively for both ultimate tensile strength as well as fatigue.
The CARRILLO connecting rod is a precision, high strength, quality connecting rod, which when properly installed and maintained, will perform flawlessly in today’s racing and high performance internal combustion engines. We would like to offer some suggestions and specifications that should be helpful in your installation.
Here are some of Carrillo’s popular features for the rod designs. However, if you have some unique feature in mind, please contact our Sales Technicians to inquire about how to get it incorporated into your rod design.
Carrillo is often asked about general horsepower ratings for the various designs of its connecting rods. Unfortunately, this cannot be answered in a simple way. The most relevant rod design parameters are Inertia forces (a function of engine speed, crank train geometry and assembly weights) and Cylinder firing pressure (tuning, fuel, boost, etc.)
Through increased engine speed, displacement, firing pressure or a combination thereof, horsepower is gained. However, though the various changes in the cycle, the demand on the rods varies greatly. Moreover, extreme dynamic loads on the drive train such as intermittently free spinning wheels or propellers (Hill Climb races, Off-Shore boat races) should be considered the when making the right choice of rod.
Based on our experience combined with our analysis methods we like to provide you with our best suggestion for your specific application.
Custom parts that fit your needs
Our experience in producing pistons and connecting rods for 'track day', ‘fast road’ car and bike applications for all facets of motorsport venues has made CP-Carrillo the industry leader in applying today's technology to pistons and rods. Custom domestic pistons and rods comprise the majority of our workload and we pride ourselves in providing custom pistons and rods that are at the forefront of technology and design. Our engineering department is a staff of professionals equipped with state of the art software packages allowing them to design pistons and rods that are progressively lighter, stronger and more durable. Our manufacturing plant encompasses 32,000 square feet of CNC equipment and a climate controlled inspection department to ensure our customers of accurate and consistent quality. All pistons and rods are made in our Irvine based facility from USA made materials.
Extensive Shelf Line
CP-Carrillo also offers a complete line of racing pistons and rods for domestic engines that can be purchased right off the shelf. These popular inventoried pistons and rods are manufactured with the same rigorous inspection criteria as our custom pistons but are available for same day shipping. Included below is a list of standard features that would apply to our extensive domestic shelf line of over 1000 combinations.
Standard Shelf Pistons Features
Standard Shelf Connecting Rods Features
CP-Carrillo offers over 500 shelf parts from the Sport Compact shelf line with a wide range of sizes for the most popular engine types. Every piston and rod is designed through extensive research and development with the support of some of the biggest names in motorsports.
CP pistons are designed for oversized valves, high lift camshafts and available in a variety of compression ratios and bore sizes. Carrillo rods are a great compliment to the assembly and are available in PRO H, Pro A or Pro SA beams. All of our products represent the highest quality and are engineered for maximum power.
Standard Shelf Pistons Features
Pistons come with wrist pins, pin fitted, and locks (except for Subaru).
Standard Shelf Connecting Rod Features
Sport Compact Custom Pistons and Rods
We are able to custom make pistons and rods for a wide variety of engines not listed on our shelf parts. CP-Carrillo offers a wide variety of forgings made specifically for your application. Each piston and rod is designed using sophisticated 3-D modeling software and manufactured with advanced techniques making your product the lightest and strongest combination on the market. Our products are rigorously evaluated with a state-of-the-art FEA program to ensure optimum strength and weight. See the custom section for more details.
Here is list of engines we can make pistons and rods for (but not limited to):
Acura, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Citroën, Cosworth, Daewoo, Daihatsu, Dodge, Honda, Ferrari, Fiat, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lamborghini, Lancia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lotus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, MG, Mini Cooper, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Plymouth, Renault, Rolls-Royce, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Skoda, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
Do you want to run with champions?
CP-Carrillo offers over 600 shelf pistons and rods featuring Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, KTM and many others for your street or powersports application. All our pistons and rods are designed through extensive research and development with the cooperation of some of the biggest names in motorsports.
These kits are available of the shelf and include a MX style piston, DLC Pin, Carrillo connecting rod and a Cometic EST gasket. These kits have been thoroughly tested and offer you a cost effective way to get the most out your projects. These kits come in standard bore sizes and accommodate stock stroke crankshafts allowing racers to remain legal in stock displacement classes.
In addition to CP-Carrillo kits we also offer CPK and CPKX kits for all of our catalog applications. We have arranged the pricing so that it is more beneficial to buy a kit then to buy the components separate. Kit includes: piston, pin, locks, rings and gasket. In 2009, we tested the market with these kits and the response was overwhelming. Customers like the added value that these kits offer as well as the availability and simplicity when ordering. All of these kits come complete in one package, making shipping and storing easy.
CP-Carrillo offers two kinds of 4 stroke : standard “M” kits and “MX” kits. The main difference between these parts is that the MX kits are a fully boxed style part with skirt coating. These pistons took about 2 years to develop – it actually started with Ricky Carmichael. These MX kits will come standard with DLC.
Project X for competitive street bikes / Powersport applications – off the shelf fully boxed pistons for a variety of street bike and Powersport applications. CP Pistons fully boxed forgings are designed to minimize friction and reduce weight without compromising piston strength. CP adjust the weight balance between the high and low areas of the piston during the forging process and incorporates bracing and ribs for near unbeatable strength. The inherent design of CP Piston’s X forgings allow for the use of a shorter pin which increases strength and overall lightness of the assembly.
New for 2010, we have added a few 2 stroke kits this year and plan on adding more throughout the year. We offer our 2 stroke kits with the pin bearing (added value) and have priced these to be competitive with other forged 2 stroke parts.
CP-Carrillo also offers a wide variety of products made specifically for you application. Each piston and rod is designed using sophisticated 3-D modeling software and manufactured with advanced techniques making you piston and rod the lightest and strongest on the market. See custom section for more details.
Millenium oversize cylinders are available for certain applications. See cylinder chapter under catalog section for more information.
Cometic gasket kits are available for all shelf parts. See gasket chapter under catalog section for more information. Gasket kits are listed in the catalog to correspond with your application.
Bullet Series
A new division of CP that will revolutionize the way you think about high performance pistons and rods — The Game Has Changed
No longer does low cost mean low quality
As the global economic climate continues to change, CP-Carrillo is proud to announce a new product division to stay current as the industry shifts to new directions. This series of pistons and rods will be the flagship for this new venture and will incorporate everything that has made CP-Carrillo the industry leader. Inspired by the top forms of motorsports, our goal is to offer a piston and rod alternative by introducing a high quality product at a reasonable price. Whether it is engineering or manufacturing, CP-Carrillo is constantly looking for ways to make our parts better. Extensive research and development along with centralized manufacturing cells have enabled CP-Carrillo to accomplish this goal and pass along the savings to our customers. Our restructured profit margins allow us to stay competitive and still offer a superior product while maintaining our core philosophy, to make the best part available for your application.
What Makes This Possible
Many people know that CP-Carrillo continues to be the leader in the high performance piston market. What people may not know is that CP-Carrillo is home to one of the most advanced, state of the art piston and rod manufacturing facilities in the world. Our facility and capabilities are second to none in this respect and this new division of CP-Carrillo is a perfect fit into an already advanced system. So what makes this possible?
What Does This Mean For You
This means added savings for you and your customers without compromising your reputation. CP-Carrillo has built a strong name for itself in every form of motorsports and with the introduction of this new division, CP-Carrillo can now offer you some of the highest quality pistons at a very affordable price.
Bullet Series Pistons and Rods Features included
80% of the pistons and connecting rods we make are custom.
Everyone wants the optimum performance and durability from their engine. Custom pistons and rods assure that you get all the unique performance advantages from your engine while being engineered to last. Despite carrying one of the most comprehensive inventories of off-the-shelf in the industry, CP-Carrillo' foundation has been designing and manufacturing some of today's most sophisticated custom racing pistons and rods which spans all areas of motorsports. From 'track day', ‘fast road’ car and bike applications all the way through vintage / classic and club racers to Speedway World Championship, British Superbike, AMA, AHDRA, NJBA, ULHRA, NHRA, NASCAR, Moto GP, World Rally Championship, Le Mans, Touring Car, Formula 1 and many more. We maintain a custom product department that can take specialized piston and rod requirements from initial design and engineering complete through the manufacturing and finishing process. All pistons and rods are made in our Irvine facility from USA materials.
Using cutting edge technology and precise machining, we endeavor to provide our customers with the best forged pistons and connecting rods in the racing industry. Our sales staff is versatile and knowledgeable, coming from all areas of motorsports to provide you with the best possible service. They apply this experience to your benefit when you place your order. By asking the right questions and understanding your needs, we make sure that the products you receive are customized to your combination and application. Our engineering and design staff utilizes the best design software available. Choosing from CP-Carrillo's extensive line of versatile forgings to optimize both weight and strength, we design a piston or connecting rod to suit your unique requirements. We manufacture your pistons and rods utilizing state of the art CNC machinery. Each product goes through our stringent inspection process to make sure you receive what you've come to expect from CP-Carrillo and exceed your expectations. Contact us today and we will design, develop and manufacture a set of custom pistons and /or connecting rods that will allow you to increase horsepower and performance from your specific application.