actually daniel_g, this is something i was interested in from years ago as well. I actually never had any problems with stock pistons (broken ringlands) in all my years. It was always the stock rods that had me a little skeptical in terms of revs and reliability at higher boost levels. Again, knock on wood, the stock thicker 4efte/5efhe rods worked great for me, but i was more concerned that a rod would give out than a piston. The stock units can work well once you have a very good tune....the tune is where it is at as the slightest detonation and your stock pistons will be destroyed at higher boost levels. as well, forged pistons you are looking at may be US$500 for a decent set, while forged rods are may be US$250 for a set----depends on your budget and what you want from the car.