do you guys all run forged pistons and rods? anyone use those hypotectic silicon pistons that are on ebay for $190AU ?

what are the standard rods good for with ARP bolts?

oh and what size pistons do I want for a street engine to run on 98? +30 flatop pistons with valve reliefs?

There are many engines making more than 400hp that run hypereutectic/cast pistons.
Personally I'd go forged.
Whether you need pistons with valve reliefs at a certain depth depends on your engine/camshaft and heads. Most stock type replacement pistons come with valve reliefs but usually only for stock valve sizes.
If you run iron heads with street fuel you should stay under 10:1 comp. If you run alloy heads you can go safely to 10.5:1 or higher but your cam choice also affects this.

Pete.

Taken heads off and you were right.. the pistons don't even have valve cut outs. Bores don't look too bad though and I can still see the honing marks. Every bore appears to be sleaved though which is weird.. i'm not sure but it certainly looks like it.

I spoke to my engine builder today and he said he has had terrible results with hyperuetetic pistons. He recommended just using sealed power USA cast pistons which are good enough for the majority of street power v8's he builds. Or I forgies are all good but he reckons I don't really need them for a street 300-400hp low reving 5.0L. Rods are all good too with ARP bolts.