rklessdriver wrote:
On the rod bolts. We measure the free length in our racing engine's rod bolts. Then every tear down - we check them against that orginal measurement. Easy to spot one that's ready to go off the reservation. Of course that's not possible with used rods.

Luckily stock SBC thru rod bolts last a very long time. As long as you do not over TQ the bolt and permantly stretch/damage it or pull the threads off - they are capable of being TQ'd and un-TQ's and re-used within their capability many times. You can usually spot an over stretched thru bolt type rod bolt by the threads first - The nut won't spin on freely. If thats the case it could just be a burr or dent on the threads - but if you come across one like that - inspect it with a magnifying glass to find the problem.

If you have ANY doubt - replace them. It's not worth it. I've broken rods before and it's usually 100% destruction at any RPM.