Ok so I'm building an LS/VTEC for my EJ. I don't have the funds to completely build the bottom end at this point and everywhere I see info on the LS/VTEC people always say to at least replace the rod bolts with ARP. So this is the plan, but I've run into a problem. Obviously these bolts have to be pressed in, not a big deal, just a few more $ for the machine shop. But I also read that pressing these in will distort the big end and I will have to have the rods machined. So more $ (I wasn't expecting to spend) and then I have to order new bearings (more $) Basically pulling the whole bottom end apart. Now I want to do this right so my plan is to:

-Replace the rod bolts with ARP
-Replace rod bearings
-Replace main bearings
-Replace piston rings

If there is anything I should add or that I don't need to do let me know.

I'm just concerned about the machining to the rods. I know the rods are marked 1-4 depending on the size of the big end bore. So if I understand it correctly once I have the ARP bolts pressed in to the rods I would have them machine .006mm (the tolerance increment if I'm not mistaken) out of the big end and use a bearing as if the rod was the next number up? So if I have any rods stamped 4 with a D on the rod journal code I would be fucked if I understand correctly. I'm just a little confused on ordering the bearings when having the big end bore expanded. And now with this I'm thinking I should just wait to finish this build until I have the $ to build the bottom end, which puts me between a rock and a hard place because I have t have the car out of the garage its in before midwest winter hits and I have no $. Any suggestions, experience with this build is appreciated. **** at this point I'm even considering leaving the bottom end alone (LS rod bolts and all) and just being gentle with her until more $ comes around.

My frustration with this build just went through the roof and I'm not even really working on the car yet. I need someone to chime in and hopefully shed so light on hope in this situation.. TY!

 

You have to compare the marks on the rods to the marks on the crank to figure out which bearings to use. And yes it's a good idea to at least have the rods checked after installing the ARP bolts.

 

I know the bearings would be selected by the markings on the rod and the markings on the crank. My problem is I don't have the funds to pull apart the whole bottom end right now. And even if I did I would still probably wait until I was good and ready to replace the crankshaft, rods and pistons. Simply because new bearings and bolts would go in with that as well. At this point I'm probably just gonna say **** it and be gentle on her. Its not like she will see the track or really any races until I end up building the bottom end.