Looking to freshen a 96 low miles LT1 want to put forged pistons as it needs to be bored do to a poor ring install. So I thought get forged pistons, clevett bearings, high end rings and put my XE cam GM performance timing set and my LE2 heads and go looking at 4 something to the rear wheels in the end. If I need bolts where do I go and cost?
thanks
GO BEARS!

 

It's always a good idea to upgrade the bolts in a performance application. It's cheep insurance. I'd recommend ARP, of course.
Scott

 

DITTO

 

If you already have it apart, I would definitely upgrade them, especially considering that a set of ARPs will not cost an arm and leg.

 

Just replace 'em w/ a forged set, the cost diff isn't that great compared to a Scat forged I-beam or something along those lines.

 

upgrade the rod bolts!!!! i wish i would have. kinda like extra insurance when your spinning past 6200.

 

I would upgrade also, but this is really just a comfort thing. I don't think it's required, the stock bolts are really quite good.

It's funny when you think about it. I've purchased many new chevys over the years and driven the **** out of them, rev'ing to 6500 or 7000rpm's, missing an occasional shift and buring the tach., and seldom had a problem. Yet it comes time to rebuild and the engine has to have the best of everything!!!

 

Make sure if you just get new bolts that you have the rods resized by a machine shop.

 

what do you mean by resizing the rods?

 

As I was told, when you press the new rod bolts in, they cause the rod end to become egg-shaped. You need to resize them to correct that deformation.

 

is that spendy?

 

It was free for me with my full race prepped block and bottom end. That was a bit pricey, but it included a lot. I recommend Wall 2 Wall racing for anyone in the Louisiana area.

 

Seriously, look into a set of Scat I beams. By the time you buy the rod bolts and have them installed and resized, you are real close to the price of a set of new rods. They may not be 4340 but they are better than the stockers, by a good margin.

 

That's correct. You can't just substitute new bolts.

Rich