LS1 specific rods are .945 thick on the big end and the older SBC rods are .940, can the older rods be used on the LS1's ?? I'm talking aftermarket rods, not stock rods. I don't see any difference other than that and there are some smokin deals on good used SBC rods on Ebay and other places.
Is the .005 extra play going to hurt anything?
Chime in if you know.

 

The LS1 rod is also not offset but neither of these will create a real problem. The only thing you might run into is the engine being mechanicaly noisier than if you had run LS1 specific rods(.010" more side clearance on the rods). This will also not create a oil pressure problem since you get your pressure from the mains.