The current condition of the crankshaft and rods will be the determining factor. If the crank needs regrinding due to rod journal wear or taper concerns, finding a set of rods with the correct undersize for the reconditioned crank may be a problem. If your existing crank/rod combo can be reused with only a shim change to establish the right oil clearance, the cost and effort involved will be a lot less. The Chevy rod has a special thin-layer Babbit called a "spun-in" application which varies from the traditional method of pouring Babbit metal into a rod in a mold. The technology for that type of procedure is kind of a lost art, because the demand for reconditioned rods is so low. If you need undersized rods, they may or may not be available, and if they are, they'll be expensive. The insert-bearing modification still uses the same dipper and splash oiling, it just allows undersize bearings to be fitted without replacing or re-babbiting the rods. The procedure also allows precise clearances to be established, rather than tinkering with shims. Be sure the shop you choose has plenty of experience with 216 engines.
Jerry
