If you plan on doing more work to it such as porting, adv timing, etc. then you are better off doing it now and being done with it. Cuz sooner or later you are going to regret not doing it if you don't. Good practice to take care of the crank now while you can. Even if you buy a Hot Rods crank you still need to have it welded or inspected if its already done. Save your money from buying another crank for something else down the road and have your stock crank welded.