seeing as this is not a race engine your rods should well withstand anything you can throw at them on th street i am used to everyone speaking of performance engines so you should be good to go. stock bottom ends have been known to turn up to a rough 6500 rpm with proper tuning. i kinda grit my teeth when i hear that. the exhaust bumps were only part of the equation to the heads but i'm not positive of what all needs done, this is why i send mine to be done by someone else, this is why i tell you to get in touch with guys such as paul. i'll share what i know and when i don't i'll steer ya toward someone who does. these guys are great they've helped me out greatly and it is a honor to give something back