Alright, im rebuilding my ls and im using arp rod bolts for a little extra security. Some people say you have to machine the rods if you use arp rod bolts, and some say they are oem replacement, just stronger, so no machining necessary. I want a straight answer to this question.

 

need to machine.

 

What specifically needs to be done, and how much does it cost?

 

It shouldn't matter but you should have them check for proper inside diameter as rods tend to go oval shape in service.

 

they're probably saying that because you use a slightly higher torque value on the rod bolts which may distort the big end. i don't think many people do this though so you should be fine w/o machining. now if you use the high grade bolts that are torqued to a higher value then you really should get the rods measured with the bolts torqued.

 

I'm doing the same thing with mine. Since you are not removing any more material from the end caps or rod - you are fine. There will not be any need to machine. You can get a flex hone for the rod end to make sure you have a clean seat or use some scotch brite.

 

My machinist specifically told me there is resizing/reconditioning required after installing the rod bolts. Its not just in honda apps, its also required on all rods; BBF, BBC, SBF, SBC, Mopar... doesnt matter.

After they're installed/pressed in the big end then becomes destorted. They grind (line hone) the big end to make sure its round, not oval and within spec.

 

I won't argue that - but would someone not be able to do this themselves? I know my block had to have the caps cut and align honed. I had ARP main studs and there wasn't any distortion. I would assume the same procedure could be done with a set of honing stones.

There's some stuff on here

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/eng...bly/index.html

 

Its not something I would trust myself to do, so I'm going to say no.