i agree with the con rod.... not a problem unless you're cold starting a new/newer engine...but i think the 2 are also directly related.....if you don't preheat your engine esspecially during break in....you put incredible strain on the conrod when the pinch is at it's tightest like that...and is more than likely either going to weaken and or stretch it....with proper preheating all throughout a quality engines life i've seen over 10 gallons with 0 parts changed....no way without preheating you would ever get that....and preheating is not a pain in the ass when you have a competition engine heater....put it on and walk away....come back and you're ready for full blown hot laps to maximize practice times for your heats or mains