Thanks for the link Doug. Yeah, keep the reciprocating stuff as light-weight as possible. Good advice.
Interesting that some are doing the same thing as here except with a 153 c.i. Chevy. Not sure what they mean about the sawzall.
Thought I had mentioned it already, but I couldn't find it in this thread.
Aftermarket 6.0" forged rods for the Chevy 194 c.i., 230 c.i., 250 c.i. L-6 are available that have the correct width.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SCA-66000206SGL/Only $71 each, $284 for 4 - not bad. If you buy 6 for $435, they are weight-matched.
Problem is that they have a 2.0" journal diameter.
So, the 2.1" journal diameter of the 181 crankshaft needs to be turned down.I haven't priced that, yet.
I also bought a set of 181 Mercruiser 5.7" rods just for mockup on the crankshaft and a comparison to some SBC rods that I have.