Small Block & Big Block Chevy Specific - Stock rods with hardware question

Hello I have a couple questions regarding some 1990 350cid rods
Im looking to rebuild a stock 350 for stock type use on a $650 budget (parts).
Here are the options that I am taking into consideration.
I can measure the Big Ends But Im sure this has been done a million times before.

1. Add ARP hardware and have the Big ends resized
2. Reuse stock hardware and torque down a bit more than spec.
3. ???

Pretty much after this I plan on using a rebuild kit like speedpro,jegs,summit
Any Help would be appreciated.
Thanks

If the rods are good, no reason not to reuse them.

But reusing stock bolts compared to the minor cost and major strength increase of ARP or other bolts should be high on your list of "must dos".

Option #1

You need to check for roundness regardless so arp the rods and resize as needed.

I've re used stock 350 rod bolts a few times. Many miles later they are still together. Used factory 45 ftlbs spec.

If you are doing a stock style rebuild on a budget I would probably reuse the stock rod bolts and have the big end checked as bww said.

Use factory specs for torque. You can check rod bolt stretch but there have been millions of SBC's rebuilt using 45 ft lbs.

Used X-rods will do the trick and they are cheap

Take a look at the aftermarket...If you get new pistons, it would be in your best interest to balance the assembly. If thats the case you will see AFTERMARKET rods are not much more money than re-sizing your stockers and they come with ARP fasteners.


But, it looks like youre just building a no thrills stock 350....I would re-use all the parts and not even mess with ARP bolts.