why hello there, i run 283/301/302's myself here. i used my stock gm 283 rods and crank. the rods are shotpeened. for strength and i shift at 7-7500 every single pass at the track. no worries on stock rods. i made my 302 a little differntly by taking a 283 and boriing .125 to 301.6 <aw its only .4 off!> and yes your stock rods will be of the 5.7 icnh variety. need anymore just ask im always here! ....scooter p.s. way to think outside the box!