I have 3 V-spec's. They haul arse. I only race them. I have have rebuilt them all. They all ran several gallons through them before rebuild's. The rebuild's were caused by mistake's made by me. I ran one at 300 degree's all weekend, and ingested dirt in the other 2 before I rebuilt them.
Rebuilt 1 with boca bearing's ceramic hybrid's and a new piston & sleeve. I ran the old rod, and crank. I Just tore it down after a few of weekend's racing. With practice, heats and mains it probably has a gallon through it since rebuild. It has run perfect since rebuild. I pulled it apart to do some inspection. I found some small pieces of metal on top of the piston and the rod was shot.
Rebuilt 1 with piston & sleeve crank and rod in. It just ate a rod. Found similar metal on top of piston. It has run perfect since rebuild.
Rebuilt the other with just piston and sleeve. I haven't done an inspection on it yet. It has run perfect since rebuild.
The rods that are shot are flat on the side toward the back plate. The new rod is not. I will mic. them and see what the difference is. I might try shiming the top of the rod this time.