my first engine rebuild (318) advises
I know new rods are overkill for my build but, if those rod would work with those pistons it would be about same money as just kb pistons.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/slp-h814cp/overview/
and if i need new rod bolts, it would be cheaper to just buy new rods than machine old.
and new rods are lighter than old ones.
If you replace the rod bolts, which you should do, you would have to have the rods reconditioned. This will cost about $20 more than new rods, however, the new rods do not have the oil squirt hole for the bores like the original rods do. they claim that you don't need them anymore, but I'm not convinced.
It's your call.
You may want to consider buying a "refresh" kit from Mancini racing. Here's a link and description of what comes in it for $420:
http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/sealpowkitc.html
Product Description
C-KIT Includes:
-Sealed Power Rod bearings
-Sealed Power Main bearings
-Sealed Power Cam Bearings
-Freeze Plugs
-Melling Oil Pump
-Felpro Gasket Set
-Sealed Power Rings (Moly)
-Sterling Pistons (Cast)
PLEASE INCLUDE RING, ROD AND MAIN SIZES IN COMMENT BOX.
This kit includes all crank, rod, cam bearings, oil pump, freeze plugs, complete fel-pro gasket kit, cast pistons and rings. Everything for the short block except rods. A pretty good deal.
Good luck.
Ps. If you use 10.5:1 pistons with 340/360 heads on a 318, your final compression will be 9.2:1 which will work well on pump gas.