Find a Quantum Syncro while you're at it, make it AWD. 
HAHAhahahha the problem with that is there are too many hilly twisty freakin fun back roads where i live... and i have a tendency to drive it like i stole it when i'm havin' fun! too much money will be spent on a 25 yr old wagon to roll it in a farmer's field! lol
Thanks Trev, I forgot you said
bolts not studs (cheaper than own boots, what?). I keep reading on how ARP's rod studs don't work on AAZs, so I thought you found some holy grail that I should purchase. Not if you'll excuse me, I'm off to the Internet to buy ARP rod bolts.
As much as I'd love to have a girdle it's a little too much block prep right now as I'm soooo close to finally getting to build it up, and I'd rather not have ANOTHER thing to wait on.
And all I gotta say on the synchro option is; you can either enter Hell in an understeering cloud of smoke, or in a
less understeering cloud of smoke. And it's better to meet the Devil as head on as you can!
Damn iPhone!!!! I meant they are cheaper than oem bolts. I forgot don't aftermarket tdi rods work too?
I'm hesitant to say, but if folks can turn AAZs into TDIs and use 1Z and AHU cranks in AAZ blocks then I'm leaning towards yes. But that's more money than just rod bolts, and like I said more time so I'm comfortable with the stock rods.
OT, if Dirtrag2 has the cash then I'd suggest a good rod set since It'll help keep the engine together longer. Can't go too wrong with strong parts.
i think just upgrading the hardware makes a huge difference
well I want this thing to be FAST and RELIABLE
a wise member once posted on her that you can have: Fast and Cheap, OR Cheap and Reliable... BUT Fast AND Reliable AINT CHEAP!!
on this note I have to put my christmass list together! any suggestions for comparison on con rods other than IE rods?
I would like to keep the build under 3k, so to stick to my 7k total budget on finished car... but that nay be a tall order. I don't want to cheap out on engine and run risks of grenading it, then having to rebuild and end up spending even more$$
I put the IE rods in my engine, I ended up having to do block clearancing, at the bottom of the cylinder openings AND shaving down the shoulder of #4 rod because it was hanging up on the intermediate shaft.
They fit, but not without a little massaging first.