Doug,
As many on the List can tell you, the torque spec you were using was for
HiPo rod bolts, which are 3/8" diameter, not 5/16". Yes, 22 lb-ft is pretty
light isn't it. You could use Locktite, although some manuals say not to
(not sure why, I know people including me who do). Do NOT machine stock rods
for 3/8" bolts, which is a sure prescription for failure. If you can find
some super grade 8 bolts, that may give you some marginal improvement, and
torquing higher is important to keep the stresses from pulling the rod cap
away from the rod. ARP has rod bolts, but I am not sure if they have 5/16"
rod bolts. They only make the Boss 302 bolts in 3/8" and the rods have to be
reamed for the slightly larger diameter. Any rehoning should probably
include "resizing". It would be a good idea to check this anyway, even if
you use stock bolts.
The stock 289 rods are the same as 260 rods I think. It makes sense to get
HiPo 289 or, better yet BOSS 302 rods that are spot faced. Of course, you
can also get aftermarket rods from various sources; all for more $$$ of
course. It's up to you. It's my philosophy that the first thing you need to
decide, right after how much $$$ you can spend, is what is the top rpm you
want the engine to run reliably at. That dictates, cam, intake manifold,
carburetor size, valve size, etc., etc.
Good luck,
Bob
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