PM rods = "powdered metal" rods = sinter forged rods. Stonger than cast rods (used in many domestics), weaker than billet rods (used in some high po cars, Forced induction typically). One knowlegeable CEGer suggested that the stretching forces were altering the shape of these softer rods causing them to contact bearings assymetrically inducing wear (if I understood him correctly). Not saying this is real...it was a therory proposed.

1999 Amazon Green SVT Contour (#554/2760) "People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use." -Soren Kierkegaard (as posted by Jato)