A12-15 all use the same ARP rod bolt. In the 3 sets I have installed not one of them pulled the rod out of round enough to require re-size.

I use the ARP head studs as well just to be on the safe side, though OEM (not cheapie parts shop) ones should be just fine, I also reuse the stock main and flywheel bolts.

As far as reving to 8000rpm on on a 276, when i was running my VDL 280 it used to fall off totaly at 7500rpm, even my G&C 296 only keep the power up to just over 8000rpm, one of the biggest problems our cam grinders have is not wanting to change the LCA, most of them keep them at/close to stock = 110+ which isnt great, I have had 3 cams cut at 296 with 105-108-110 LCA and the difference in mid range and top end is amazing!

Ohh and when you find somone who can resurface lifters let me know, in not one of my motors have I ever bothered to resurface them due to the cost for lifters being more than a replacement motor, that and when I last checked no one in SA resurfaced&harden them. Three of the motors have already had 2 year freashen ups and not one of them is showing any form of abnormal cam or lifter wear. Though I do agree that they should be part of a cam change!

@Rezlo. So are you saying that I must use the original lifters without re-surface? Did you ask Camshaft Dynamics?
I agree, lifters are very expensive. If I can skip changing them, I will. It is just that everyone on the site said I must rather change them for new ones or get the old ones re-surfaced. Racetech said I can just lightly sand them with a sandpaper or something like that. Any opinions?

Im not staying its right to reuse them, you SHOULD change them, but, that said I personaly never have on an A-series due to the cost far out weighing the risk. on every single V8 I ALWAYS change them, but then the cost is minimal like a few hundred rand vs A-series at a few thousand.

I have used VDL, then switched to Goch&Cooper, they are the best regrinders in SA in my opinion, Deon is very helpfull and the 296 profile him and I put together works amazingly well, even as a street car it idles at 950rpm no problem and has plenty of mid range and top end, on the A12 it might not be so friendly, but what I found is that Deon actualy listens to the customers request,

@ Rezlo. The info is much appreciated.
Are you working at the VW plant in PE?