[olddog]

I don't think which gear matters that much.

The G forces of changing direction with the piston tries to stretch the rod bolts on the down stroke. When the RPMs is high enough the bolts stretch and the rod cap seperates from the rod just enough to allow the bearing incerts to turn. Then the game is all over, except for the crying.

Of course there are other parts that can fail other ways, but it is power level and rpm that kills parts.