Arpee, are your rods forged steel or alumunum? I spoke with Mike, maybe I didn't ask the right question.
Hot Rod Dad, The machanist is correct the journal diameter is the same. The problem is the crank end of the rod is not wide enough and will not fill the journal side to side. If you check the BB rods on the crank end you'll also find they are too narrow. The 292 rod is 1.050 side to side. I don't remember if they were Buick or Pontiac, I think Pontiac. The journal size was good, but only .993 wide. The wrist pin dia. was too large, but that could be bushed down, maybe let the pin float and use locks in the pistons.
I've seen 2-3 figures for the octane on E85, 103, 105, and ???. I've calculated it out to 117, using an octane rating of 122 for the ethanol (found on the net) and 95 for 15% regular gas. You will have to bump the jet size on the 427 up by 25-30%. I'd like to hear how that goes when you do it. You might have to watch your fuel filter, as the ethanol may losen up residue that's happy staying put with gas. There seems to be some folks reporting that. Also there may be some parts in the fuel system that don't like alcohol another compliant reported. Once the system is flushed out your change the carb tune and go.
Larry
