360 Back from the Machine Shop

FASTBACK340 said

I'm having the same thing done except for the balancing since I'm not changing to lighter rods. Plus I had the mains honed for the ARP studs. But where I'm having it done looks like a chop-shop! Damn place is cluttered and packed with stuff. But he too has a great reputation.... Supposedly the #88 truck in the Hooters race this weekend has one of his engines in it. He left for Florida this morning.....
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Even if you are using stock rods if the pistons are significantly lighter than the stock pistons you should really think about having it balanced.

I am using ARP main bolts which torque to 130 ft-lbs lubed with oil or 85 ft-lbs when lubed with ARP's grease. I fully expected to have to have the mains resized with these bolts but everything stayed true even with the higher clamping force. The machinest told me he wasn't surprised because the mopar bottom end is so strong.

The most important thing is the reputation the guy has for his work but if you don't have that imput I would go with the guy with the clean well laid out shop over one that's a mess.