[2jmotorsports]

Having recently done this (albeit only once) I dont think it is that much easier bolting the case halves together with everything except the rods assembled. There are still a lot of parts (and sealants) that need to be in there before putting the halves together. However putting on the rods after the case was sealed seems like a PITA along with the risk of not achieving correct bolt stretch by only torquing (I know this is debatable). Plus you cant do the full drop test where you watch the rod drop slowly as it rotates on the crank. You only get to see it rotate a partial rotation through the case openings.

Not worth the risk to me just to get the instant gratification of having sealed the case asap.