Hey everyone, I'm new to engine modification and I took a step right into the deep end: I have a 2007 cobalt SS 2.0 supercharged car that I stripped down for a DF Goblin build. I've got a ZZP turbo kit to swap the SC out for, will be converting to run E85 with an upgraded fuel pump and injectors, and put ZZP stage 3 Cams in, racetech 10.5:1 pistons, neutral balance shafts, heavier valve springs and titanium valve caps to name a few alterations. It seems this will put me around the 450 HP mark, so I'm going to also upgrade my connecting rods. Now to get to my real questions:

I've been searching high and low for K1 or Molnar connecting rods with no success. this lead me to call the manufacturers to get an ETA on their next run of them... earliest estimate was June. And I really don't want to wait that long to button this back up. Do any of you have any other rod suggestions, or perhaps know a guy that knows a guy that wants to sell a set?

Now about the valves: I have heavier-weight valve springs and titanium caps to put on, so I figured i'd lap the valves while I'm there. I got them cleaned up with a wire wheel and found a few have some small dings from metal shards smacking into them... a byproduct of some shattered rings, I'm sure. the way I see it, I Have 3 options
- be cheap and chuck them up in a drill and clean the face with emery cloth
-upgrade my valves since I'm already spending so much money on this thing
- do nothing and continue to lap those valves and use them
i'd like your input on what choice to make. But if you think I should upgrade the valves, should I go with supertech black nitride-coated valves ($) or stainless ferrea valves ($$)?

I know enough about engines to find myself working on one, but I'm by no means a professional. If I say something dumb, please attribute it to this and kindly correct me. Thanks again.

 

zzp rods or carrillo rods manly use to make rods for these engines also zzp rods although a little heavy are a good piece as for the head the direction you are going is wrong dont be cheap and get the head to quality machinist to get a valve job done