short rod vs cylinder spacer

[partypete1]

Recently baught what I thought was 88 cr 500 engine, turns out it's an 85. Well the big end rod bearing looks on the looser side of things and probably needs replaced. The question is it worth the extra money of the crank works rod vs just running a cylinder spacer/ newer crank? Does the rod length change the power characteristics or reliability of the engine?
Thanks

[Roostius_Maximus]

I like the correct rod to the correct port timings. Crankworks now has a rod you can service your crank with.

[partypete1]

Are the crank works bearings any good or would you get pro-x bearing? I though with a cylinder spacer it doesn't mess with port timing just the crankcase volume?