As my engine is being rebuilt I am informed that with 550 Bhp its wise to have Upgraded Connecting Rods and also there is an upgrade to the 4WD drive system, comments welcome please ?

 

if you are in there install rods. the stock rods are of poor design for power plus they have weak rod bolts.

 

replacing rod bearings and headgaskets is a good idea too. probably cheaper to do now in the long run.

 

Depends on your future plans. If you are not going higher than 550hp stock rods are doing fine. You could always have your stock rods magnafluxed to look for any weak spots and shot peened for strength and reuse if on a budget. You certainly would not reuse those old rod bolts tho, always new or better! If you have any plans at all to go higher or sell the car to anyone who might, the guys that know all say to do rods, and coolant weld on at least!! Head studs and head gaskets is probably the next recommendation but it can get crazy and very little consensus after that. Factory gaskets are working fine at your power levels. New bearings are not even a question, it's a must!! Iv got custom arrow rods and GT3R crank for sale in classified as well as other internal if you need.