Chiefoldephart, You might want to consider post a "New Topic" on your motor. This "Topic" seems to have gone in several different direction. Your new motor sounds like something considering after I finish the current rebuild.
As to the rods, on this last rebuild I found the stock rods lacking in uniformity on the piston pin end. There was a deviation of as much as 50 thou from side to side. I went through three sets of rods to o find a set I liked.
Tempering, there is a new method of tempering that is big with NASCAR and others, cold tempering, doesn't sound right but evidently it is thee thing now. The big advantage is you can do all your machine work and then cold temper with no lose of dimensions. Check
http://www.300below.com/ I believe Dick Mayberry quoted me $75 for a set of rods. He's very helpful.
Larry
