The K&B is done by a retooled TOKI dies. The rod is a phospher (spelling?)bronze rod. It is a very strong rod with a smooth "dogbone "shape. There are no stress risers on it compared to the aluminum rod. I had my engine complete a shaft run by accident when the prop came off and nothing catastrophic happened to the engine. Compression was very good and the rod suffered no damage. The engine is anemic, though. It does not put out like MECOA say with a tuned pipe. Mabe with a flywheel.