[Walt Fricke]

You are in a bind, aren't you.

I'd take the case apart (not that big a deal at the short block stage), and remove the suspect bolts.

If done properly, he recorded the pre-stretch lengths of all the bolts. And the stretched length.

First off, he can check to see if the stretch changed. If somehow the rods weren't fully closed on their alignment bushings, perhaps they could have crept closed, causing the apparent looseness. And the stretch should have lessened by about that quarter/half turn.

If that does not tell you anything, I'd loosen the suspect bolts fully and measure bolt length. I assume he recorded the pre-stretch lengths of all the bolts. If the bolts returned to their original length, or at least had a residual stretch within what ARP says is acceptable, you can just reuse them.

If they are permanently elongated beyond spec, toss them and get new ones. It is tricky to get just a few bolts instead of a whole set, but asking around on Pelican may produce someone who bought a set to replace a few, and will sell you three or four.

The rod bolts are the Achilles heel of the 3.2 because of their lesser diameter than their predecessors. Which is why it is attractive to use super strength aftermarket bolts. However, if the car is not raced or otherwise subjected to abnormal stresses from constant wide open throttle and high RPMs, the stock bolts seem to do fine.

Me, I'd like to have the extra strength. Especially if "hot" means you have done things to the motor to increase its power.