i have actually got the 1st set released for my build, my head was put on hold for the development of these and from the development i do not think you will be able to knock them as the quality is great. As regards to rods i know a few years back and i mean a few years they had a dodgy batch which got reasolved. I have used PEC rods in my 1st GT, my brothers car and now using them in my current build and never come across any problems alot of mates have used these in the builds too.