I'm doing my first engine build to replace the 305 in my Cutlass. I'm just trying to figure out what all I'm going to do to the bottom end. This is basically going to be a low budget engine, i plan on doing a big block olds in a few years but we have this 350 sitting here and I figured my first engine build should on something as common and easy as the SBC. I'm running mid 15's right now with the LG4 and 3.73's. I want to run low 14's (before suspension work, and using crappy tires).

Anyways here is the question. The engine I'm building is a 79 350 4 barrel out of a Caprice wagon. It is not taken apart yet. Does anyone know what connecting rods would have come in it and what kind of rpm's can they handle? I will be getting it bored .030 over and new hypereutectic pistons and rings and decent bearings. I know the cast crank and 2 bolt main can hold up to pretty good rpm's but I was just wondering what these rods can take and if I should be bothering with ARP rod bolts and main studs? The engine probably won't ever see over 6000rpm. I just want to know that its not gonna blow up on me. I like the way I can run my 305 to the top of its powerband (5000rpm) all day long and nothing ever seems to wear it out.

 

Stock forged rods. The bolts are the weak link not the rod. With new bolts they will support 500+ hp.

 

replace rod bolts with arp bolts and have rods resized and you'll remove the weak link