S C Connecting rods

[L. LAMP]

I was checking to see if any of my rods were bent by laying them face to face with the caps in the same direction and with both rods slipping over a ristpin. I considered them good if the big end made full contact. However, I observed that the space between the ristpin holes changed from 1/4" to 1/8" when I flipped the rods over so the caps were facing opposite directions. These rods were marked ATLAS 7. Of all the rods I have, there are ATLAS 6,7,8,and 9'S from various engines. What do these markings indicate? I want all of them to have the same number. They do appear to be a little bit different in some areas. I have read in posts here that the rods can be installed with the caps to either side of the block. I wanted them installed so the power stroke was on the heavy side of the rod and not the bolt as the manual says to install them. If the cap is to the carb side the rod will not be centered between the ristpin bosses in the piston. Installed per manual, the ristpin hole is wider toword the back side of the engine, so therefore should NEVER be reversed. Any other thoughts or discussion on this?
 

[El Toro]

Rods are usually installed with their numbers facing toward the camshaft. Hal