Originally Posted by WarmAndSCSI

I wish people would leave this kind of discussion to actual engine builders.

1.) The rods in the VHR are forged. I can't think of a single import V6 engine that has come with cast connecting rods since 1993.
2.) Stock Japanese crankshafts are all forged now, with little need for upgrading unless you want to stroke the engine or are pushing some serious specific output.
3.) Many newer high-performance import engines come with forged pistons, but not of the strongest 2618 alloy and instead 4032 or similar alloys. This is due to the low silicon content of 2618 causing greater piston expansion during operation. A factory engine cannot be built to proper specs with emissions and reliability in mind with 2618 alloy pistons - the piston-to-cylinder wall clearance must be very high in comparison to stock hypereutectic or 4032 alloy pistons (0.003-0.005" vs. 0.0008-0.0012" or so).

That said, the forged rods that come with the VHR may or may not be strong enough to handle a certain amount of torque output. As with the rod cap fasteners as far as being able to handle abuse at a certain power level or RPM. In addition, the stock pistons - even if 4032 forged (looks are deceiving, they may still look like cast pistons) - aren't very strong given the 11:1 CR.