Genuine Mazda Connecting Rod Cap / Big-End Bolt • LF01-11-214A

Genuine Mazda LF01-11-214A Connecting Rod Cap / Big-End Bolt

Replacement Genuine Mazda connecting rod cap bolt for Mazda MX-5 Mk3, Mk3.5 and Mk3.75 NC models with 1.8 L8-VE or 2.0 LF-VE MZR petrol engines.

This bolt secures the removable connecting rod cap to the connecting rod around the crankshaft journal. Together with the second bolt on the same rod, it maintains the clamping load required to hold the big-end bearing shells accurately around the crankshaft.

Connecting rod bolts operate under substantial cyclic tensile loading as engine speed and combustion pressure repeatedly reverse the loads through the piston and connecting rod assembly. Correct bolt condition and installation are therefore critical during an engine rebuild.

Each connecting rod uses two bolts. The four-cylinder MX-5 NC engine therefore uses eight bolts in total. This listing supplies one Genuine Mazda bolt, so select the required quantity for the work being completed.

New bolts should be considered whenever the connecting rod caps are removed, particularly during big-end bearing replacement, crankshaft work or a complete engine rebuild. Previously tightened bolts may have experienced substantial loading and should not automatically be assumed suitable for reuse.

• Part type: Connecting rod cap bolt
• Common names: Con rod bolt / big-end cap bolt
• Mazda catalogue description: Bolt, Connecting Rod
• Location: Connecting rod big-end cap
• Function: Secures the connecting rod cap around the crankshaft journal
• Quantity per connecting rod: 2
• Connecting rods per engine: 4
• Quantity fitted per MX-5 NC engine: 8
• Quantity supplied: 1 bolt
• Connecting rod included: No
• Big-end bearing shells included: No
• Connecting rod cap included: No
• Brand: Genuine Mazda
• Part No.: LF01-11-214A
• Earlier Mazda references: LF01-11-214 / L3K9-11-214
• MX-5 fitment: Mk3, Mk3.5 and Mk3.75 NC 1.8 and 2.0 engines

Typical reasons for replacement:

• Connecting rod or piston removal
• Big-end bearing replacement
• Crankshaft inspection or replacement
• Complete engine rebuild
• Original bolt stretched or damaged
• Thread damage or corrosion
• Incorrect previous tightening
• Replacement of a damaged connecting rod assembly

Fitment advice: This bolt is used on the connecting rods fitted to Mazda MX-5 NC 1.8 L8 and 2.0 LF MZR engines. Confirm that the engine retains the original connecting rods where aftermarket forged rods or a replacement engine assembly have been installed, as modified connecting rods may require different fasteners.

Other items to consider: Inspect the connecting rods, rod caps, big-end bearing shells, crankshaft journals, pistons, piston pins and oil-clearance condition. Connecting rod caps are matched to their original rods and must not be mixed between cylinders.

Useful tools / consumables: Calibrated torque wrench, suitable angle gauge where required by the Mazda procedure, precision measuring equipment, micrometer, bore gauge or bearing-clearance checking material, clean engine assembly lubricant and suitable thread-cleaning equipment.

Difficulty guide: DIY Difficulty: Specialist / Advanced. Engine dismantling is required. Bearing clearances, connecting rod orientation, cap pairing and fastener tightening must all be completed accurately to avoid severe engine damage.

Why Genuine Mazda? Genuine Mazda connecting rod bolts are manufactured to match the original connecting rod thread, shank dimensions, strength specification and tightening characteristics. Correct fasteners help maintain the specified cap clamping force and big-end bearing geometry.

What’s in the box: One Genuine Mazda connecting rod cap / big-end bolt, part number LF01-11-214A.

Installation notes: Keep each connecting rod and cap together in its original matched pair and orientation. Clean and inspect the bolt holes and mating surfaces before assembly. Lubricate the bolt threads and seating surfaces only as directed by the applicable Mazda workshop procedure. Install the bearing shells correctly, check oil clearance and tighten the bolts in the specified sequence using the prescribed torque and any required angular tightening stage. After tightening, confirm that the connecting rod moves freely on the crankshaft without binding and that the measured clearances remain within specification.