What to replace when rebuilding?

[RamAir95TA]

How bout just replacing the stock rods with a forged i beam only 100 more than arp rod bolts... and maybe forged pistons since a set of speed pros arent much more than hypereutectic.

I was trying to keep it on the cheap for you, but if you want to go that route, go for it.

Truth be told, a good lightweight forged piston, forged i-beam rod, and a reconditioned stock crank (in more than one build I've seen) has seen 7500+ RPMs without fail.

AI offers a really competitively priced forged 355 kit that reuses the stock crank that includes rings, pistons, and h-beam rods for around $1200. All you need to add are bearings and balancing, easily done by your shop.

[killerz28]

Well I would go with the Scat I beams which are around $240 and forged Speed Pro Pistons which are around $350. So it would still be a relatively cheap forged rod/piston setup. I would like to keep my bottom end under $1500 if possible.