[Sirrotica]

For many years Pontiac stamped the rods with codes on the flat area on the outside next to the rod bolts, not every set was stamped, but many were. I've never seen a fracture where the codes were stamped. I've seen them prick punched from rebuilders that didn't have number punches also, never seen any fracture from them either.

99% of the blown Pontiacs I've disassembled, spun a rod bearing then the rod broke after the rod bearing welded to the crank throw, or it hammered so long the rod bolts broke.

To me it's a non issue since it doesn't create a ragged edge, and that is usually where stress risers start, YMMV.