[Marc Bixen]

We use to regularly do top end only on SC's up to 200,000, with rod bearings and rings. jjefries makes a great point about the rod bearings, but we replace these through the cylinder bores without splitting the case. Intermediate shaft bearings always show wear, but not a huge deal. What I would be most concerned with if you don't split the case is the #8 bearing o-ring leaking. You can only repair this by splitting the case, and that o-ring, if the motor hasn't been apart before, is almost 40 years old. Your call.
If you do split the case send your oil pump to Glen Yee Motorsports, GT1 products in San Demas, Ca. for rebuild and blue printing. Its only about $350, and well worth it.