by adjusting the cam timing u can move peak power up and down in the power band (which is exactly what i did). add to that a decent tune and you sure can make power past stock ls red line. been there done that.

and to answer the above question....i suppose you could just add the rod bolts. ud have to drop the pan and pull the caps off and then put the new bolts in. forged internals might b a better solution because the stock ringlands are also a weak point (tho not as much as the rod bolts). limited boost and modest revs should keep this from being a problem, but its always better to be save then sorry.....thats y i say build SOHC FTW!!! lol