Harry you've hit on everything already! Cast rods can handle mild to medium builds but should be resized and have new bolts. That's where the machining costs get close to a new rod cost. There are even some cheaper forged I beams than the EAGLE type H beams. The new rods are made out of a better material for the stress of a racing engine. Like everything in life it's a cost benefit ratio. You have to weigh cost of machine shop work and stil having weaker cast rods vs cost of new stronger rod.
Billet is probably overkill unless you have a really high HP or endurance racing motor now that there are other options.
|