is there a specific way on installing pistons and rod on to the ls crankshaft. im doing an ls vtec setup and might thought that i have do everything by the book. when i look on the ls rods i see small numbers on the side of the rods. does those numbers corresponds with the cyclinders? please help.

 

The numbers on the rods are for the color bearings to use. If you look in a service manual, it will tell you all about these numbers and their meaning.

 

Make sure that the notches in the bearings are facing the exhaust side of the engine. Also the smaller exhaust reliefs in the top of the piston will face the exhaust side (front) of engine.