Captainkirk's Duster project

I will be seeing Tony tonight and will discuss the rod situation in depth.
I see nothing wrong with reusing the stock forged, shot-peened rods other than the fact I could get brand new forged rods for a few dollars more. Is new always better? No...especially when new rods are forged in China and my old rods were forged in the US of A back when some people gave a damn and took pride in their workmanship...
I will see what Tony has to say about it.