There is nothing wrong with the stock rods. IF YOU REMBER.,that Ops engines are historically TIGHT when new. The break in is hard on a rod. Once it has Had a good rich 4 tanks of fuel without over heating. The original rod will last for a gallon. After that change rod. Then I will swap them out...
NEVER reuse clips, there SO inexpensive. but if they fail it will cost u hundreds in ruined parts. Orientation of the open section is VERY important. It should be on top or bottom, not fwd or back. If it's top or bottom acceleration will expand clip
I prefer to restrict at the exit. Pressurized water has a higher boiling point. .070 at the head and .030 from the cylinder. The small bleed hole at cylinder jacket keeps a small amount of water moving down there. (Prevents that **** pond scum from building up) pipe. 11.75 it will run sneak up...