New Rod bolts = resizing rods?

[5.0ina66]

So I've been pondering the last few details of my 5.0 build that I haven't decided on yet, and I got to thinking about the bottom end. I want to do SOMETHING to beef up the bottom end, and I'll get the rotating assembly balanced. So, I thought a nice set of ARP rod bolts would do the trick. Then, I remembered some little tidbit floating around in my brain that said: "when you replace the rod bolts, you have to get the rods resized, and that costs $$$". Is this true? If so, how much does it cost and would it be cheaper to just buy aftermarket rods?
Thanks
--Kyle

 

[10secgoal]

Yes, you should they be resized. But I found a place the sold me stockers with arp's and they were already resized, for 100 bucks.

 

[stockhatch]

I wouldnt bother replacing the bolts. 99.9% of the time the rod itself will snap or the block will break before the rod bolts go. Just MHO. Of course now that i told you that, you wont replace the bolts and they will snap immediately

 

[rbohm]

stock rod bolts break long before the stock rod will.

as for resizing the rods, actually what the shop will do for you is rebuild the rod. that includes;

resizing the big end to ensure proper bearing crush

resizing the small end to ensure proper holding of the pin

checking for bending and twist in the rods, and making the rod straight

some shops will also mag check the rods to make sure there are no cracks. they will then fit new rod bolts, in your case arp's if you choose. the total cost is reasonable. as i recall i paid around $300 to have my rods rebuilt, and the rotating assembly balanced. i supplied the rod bolts.

oh and the stock rod in stock form will handle more power than you realize, and with a little prepping will handle much more. around 400hp stock as i recall, and nearly 500 prepped. the thing that kills connecting rods isnt hp per say, but rpm. the stock rods will try to leave the block at around 7000 rpm.