Rod bearings worth replacing?

[SkydiverBC]

My head has failed, It is being replaced along with the cam shaft and bearings, water pump, timing belt, and thermostat.

I have been told that with the new head, my compression may increase. This can cause strain on the bottom end (supposedly) and the bottom end could fail in a year or so. It was suggested that since most of the engine is apart anyway, I should -at a minimum- replace the rod bearing (bottom only). Is this a worthwhile expense? Any other recommendations? I'm in for about $4500.00 at this point (without rod bearings).

[plumb bob]

Most people I've heard of don't do the big end bearings ( as we call them here) and I have only heard of one whose bottom end went after a year or so, and that could not be proven on the head change.

I had my head changed just before Christmas last year.

The 2LTE engine is very tough and lasts for years, so I would say no need, but wait for someone more technically experienced to post.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Unless you have reason to believe the rod bearings were worn, there's absolutely no need to re-new them after a head change.

[TonyN]

Personally I wouldn't bother unless you think its sounds like it needs it. Nothing is going to change by changing the head, if anything you'll loose a little compression as most head sets come with the thickest size head gasket out of the five available. But its really nothing noticable.

You'd be for much more labour costs than changing the head alone if you not DIY'ing it.

[NiftyNev]

I agree with the previous posts. Compression will change very little, if at all, if they use the correct gasket. Correct gasket is determined by piston protrusion and if it's a new head and the block is untouched then there no problem.

Nev