Most people go with ARP rod bolts if retaining the stock ls rods. Aftermarket rods (ie Eagle) are decently price and offers a good insurance. Myself, I'd stick with ls rods and ARP rod bolts. The bolts usually go before the rods actually break (maybe it's a different case if the motor gets hydrolocked).

For all that money to get a 1.8L? I'd just get a LS block and sleeved and bored to 84mm >> 1.8L. More torque and if done correctly, just as reliable.