chain reaction

[Bean]

well your CR is probably around 10.8:1, assuming you have the 10:1 pistons... and when you changed the headgasket you had to remove the timing belt and distributor I guess.. so was everything set up properly again? ignition timing, timing belt, etc... the camtiming will be out a tad anyway due to the thinner headgasket... maybe down to inproper install you pushed dynamic CR through the roof and therefor putting too much load on the old bearings... alternativly down to increased piston speed the rodbolt sufferd (they aren't the strongest to begin with, especialy at high rpm) and allowed a bit too much play in the bearings and they died 'cause of that.