i have the motor and transmission already. my hp goal is 230whp and it's going into a crx. for reliability and power, is it necessary to get new pistons and rods and get it bored out or could i just get new ITR pistons stock size and keep my stock gsr rods. regardless i want to get the motor cleaned out.(i guess just Hot-tanked) aside from the block i will have bolt ons and the whole valvetrain done. radiator, timing belt, hoses, gaskets, bolts, studs, fuel pump, oil pump, baffled oil pan, clutch and flywheel. my main question is should i go this route which will cost me more money and take longer--pistons, rods, and bored out. OR this route--new ITR pistons and stcok gsr rods and stock bore.
if i go route 2 i will save about $700. is that money worth spending on rods and an overbore or could i save that money and still be reliable??