[Fot] ARP rod bolts [TR4]

[Greg "Lunker" Hilyer]

Hello All,
Anyone else noticed that the ARP rod bolts for TR4 [427 Ford] are . 
003" smaller diameter at the shoulder than OEM? The "calibrated  
fingers" noticed a bit more slop in the rod cap and the dial caliper  
confirmed. Seems to me that this is just inviting misalignment or  
worse, a bit of "walking" room.
They come with machined washers that have a inside bevel to clear a  
slight radius under the head. ARP insists that the washers must be  
used, but without the washer, the radius seems to nicely center the  
bolt. Also, using the washer, .060" of thread depth is lost.
Doesn't inspire a lot of confidence and I'm tempted not to use them.  
If our trusted wizards at Standard-Triumph bothered to put such a  
nicely machined .437" shoulder on their bolts, they probably had good  
reason. Thoughts anyone?
P.S. This is for stock rods.
P.P.S. Funny to think that 427 Ford rod bolts might not actually be  
big enough!

Greg "Lunker" Hilyer
TR4 #314
Albuquerque NM