I'm rebuilding a 400sbc and using Scat 2-ICR5700 rods. I should have gotten the rods with the factory cleared shoulders but I didn't (my mistake). So, now I grinding down the shoulders. I've started with #1 cylinder to get an idea and a template of how much to take off. The cam is a Comps XE274h. What I've taken off so far gives me the 0.050 clearance but the grinding has gone into about 3-4 threads of the bolt, at an angle. From pictures I have of the scat factory cleared rods it looks about the same.

Well this weaken the rod? Should I cut the bolts off at the bottom of the angle, or get shorter bolts ?
Thanks.

That's odd that you had to grind that much off the shoulder of those rods for a flat tappet cam. Is it possible that you aren't grinding the shoulders at the correct angle? The only time I've gotten that deep into the bolt is in a big hyd roller 383, the roller profiles have a much beefier lobe. Don't do anything with the bolts, just be sure to install the bolt back in the same rod/bolt hole and you'll be fine. As always, do a final clearance inspection once the shortblock is assembled. A large tie strap does a dandy job of flexing around the rod/lobe/cylinder wall and IIRC they are in the .050 to .060 thickness range for the wider ones, plus being nylon they won't damage anything.

Yeah, I was wondering if I could have got the angle wrong. I used the stock 400 rods to get an idea of the angle. Probably not a good idea.I have been looking online to get another Scat rod but, all I could find is sets of eight, is this because they are balanced?

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/9828/1000543go9.jpg

Do you really think you need to replace that rod?

I took a second look at the rod and there are more threads for the bolt to screw into than there are on a stock nut. So, I guess it should be ok.