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!