[Woodz428]

I agree that you don't need a forged crank, but think forged rods are probably a good thing. You must remember that ALL factory rods in most engines we use have factory forged rods. The only engine built in the muscle car era that didn't have forged rods were the Pontiacs and they used them in the SD's and HO's. So aftermarket rods are probably not necessary,but you'll always be using a forged rod if you build a Ford engine, or most others.