by the time cylinder pressures reach the point to lift a head, 9 time out of 10 you will bend rods first. i give it 9 out of 10 because there is always the few that have a headgasket that is just starting to go and then they throw all that power/boost/cylinder presssure at the motor and finish blowing the gasket out.
I have studs on my 64/71 IMO I did them for extra insurance but if you keep.it tuned down I don't think there much to worry bout IMO I'd rather pop a headgasket then bend a rod threw the block :rofl: ill let you know after edge days when I really try to push it maybe ill be running some laughing gas there