If you have an engine apart, and have a 4" grinder and a die grinder,
it's recommended to polish the rods' side beams. Most importantly, it removes
the stress risers (which weaken the rods by providing a start for a crack
which leads to failure). So this in effect strengthens the rods. Less
important: it allows the rod to shed oil a bit faster to reduce
reciprocating weight during engine operation.
Just grind fairly smooth with the 4" grinder, then smooth over
with a flappy-sander in the 4" grinder, then a little 80 grit flap
wheel in the die grinder will make them a joy to touch and behold. Then
run over them with a 240 grit flappy wheel will polish them to shiny. Easy,
though time-consuming - about 2 hours to do all 8.
Beef up the block by installing either a main stud kit or a main stud and
strap kit. For longevity on the connecting rods, have them stress relieved and install ARP rod bolts.
I installed a main stud kit in my
455, and the only problem I had was with the windage tray. The trick
with the connecting rods is to install ARP rod bolts, and have the rods
resized. Then take them to a machine shop and have a .500 WIDE slot in
the top and bottom of the main bearing journal machined .010-.012"
DEEP. Then I would have your rotating assembly balanced. A good
machinist will balance the harmonic balancer, connecting rods, pistons,
crankshaft, flywheel/flexplate and pressure plate.
[ Thanks to Chris Witt, J2RKT@aol.com, Steve for this information ]