302 connecting rod question

[apollard]

OK, so I'm building a roller block 302. I have the block, and a 28 oz crank to go with my '68 flexplate and damper. I have the rods from the '97 5.0. The book I have states all 302/5.0 rods are interchangable, but now my machinist says no, it'll be imbalanced. This is a driver, low rpm stock type engine, so I was not planning to rebalance. A search turns up conflicting information. So, I turn to the knowledge of the board - can I use 50 oz 5.0 rods on a 28 oz crank or are they different weights?

 

[gotstang]

The 1990s rods are weaker, FYI. I'd bet they will work, the crank and balancer/flexplate dictate the balance, and if you are getting the assembly balanced, they will compensate for differing rod/piston weights anyway.

You will need a little machine work done to the rear crank snout to accomodate the 1pc seal on the roller block too.

 

[apollard]

Got the crank turned for the seal already. Just wondering about the balance - and trying to avoid another $$$ outlay for balancing right now if possible.