Carrillo

CP-Carrillo: A Legacy of Precision-Forged Performance

When serious engine builders and racers reach for internal engine components, few names carry the weight of CP-Carrillo. Born from two legendary California-based manufacturers — CP Pistons and Carrillo Industries — the brand represents decades of racing heritage and relentless engineering refinement. Carrillo connecting rods trace their roots all the way back to 1963, when Fred Carrillo began crafting precision rods for motorsports applications. The two companies formally united in 2009, and together they operate out of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Irvine, California, where cutting-edge technology meets traditional craftsmanship.

Made in the USA, Built for the Limit

Every CP-Carrillo product is manufactured domestically and engineered to perform at the absolute edge of what an engine demands. CP-Carrillo pistons are forged from 2618-T61 aluminum alloy, a material chosen for its superior strength-to-weight ratio under extreme thermal and mechanical stress. The brand offers two distinct piston lines to suit different budgets and applications: the flagship CP-Carrillo series, designed for race-specific builds with the flexibility to be custom-made to spec, and the BULLET Series, which delivers the same high-standard manufacturing on dedicated forgings optimized for larger production runs — making premium performance more accessible without sacrificing quality.

Complementing their piston lineup, CP-Carrillo produces a complete ecosystem of piston hardware. Their engine piston wrist pins are proprietary chromoly units treated to exacting tolerances, engineered to minimize reciprocating mass while maintaining the rigidity demanded by high-boost and high-RPM applications. Paired with a full range of piston ring sets and individual piston rings — including nitrided and PVD-coated options — builders can assemble a complete piston package from a single trusted source.

Connecting Rods Forged for Champions

On the rod side, CP-Carrillo's reputation is equally formidable. Their engine connecting rods are fully machined from proprietary 4330M chromoly steel and available in multiple configurations, including titanium variants for the most weight-sensitive racing applications. Rod bolt options range from the standard WMC H11 tool steel bolts to the upgraded CARR MP35N bolts for even higher tensile strength demands. The brand has earned official approval status from prestigious racing series and events, a testament to the trust placed in their components at the highest levels of competition.

A Complete Internal Engine Solution

What sets CP-Carrillo apart from many competitors is the ability to source an entire internal engine assembly — pistons, rings, wrist pins, and connecting rods — from one manufacturer with a unified design philosophy. This integrated approach means tighter tolerances, better component compatibility, and a support team that understands how every part interacts. Whether you're building a street-driven performance car, a dedicated drag racer, or a powersports machine, CP-Carrillo offers the precision engineering and race-proven reliability to help you get the most out of every combustion cycle.