Based on what I saw in the engine this past summer, I do know that the rods are using at least factory type bolts. They have not been upgraded to ARP for instance. The previous owner built this engine in the late 90's so I don't know if the original bolts were re-used or not. The factory rods kind of look like they may have been shot peened, but I'm not certain on this or if the factory rods have that type of surface to them. The parting lines have not been ground down. It has the old TRW pistons on top of the rods. My understanding is that these are strong, but may actually be heavier than the factory pistons.
The current crank may get by with just a polish. I had the #3 main cap off to pound in a new dipstick tube and both the journal and the bearing looked terrific. No edges that I could catch with a fingernail and only minimal wear with no copper showing on the bearings.
The car gets run pretty hard. It's 95% street car, but It gets run through the gears almost every time I take it out. It sees some drag strip runs on occasion (none now that Bandimere is closed).
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-Jason
1969 Pontiac Firebird
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