I hear what your saying about the 40 year old parts, that thought has crossed my mind. Is anyone running the old LeMans rods? They can be scarey too! I'm cautious about these $800 steel cranks from China, how good can they be? There is also the theory about the seasoned parts. As they go through their life cycle of heating and cooling they become molecularly stablized with age and possible become stronger. I know that this can apply to engine blocks but does it apply to rotating assemblies? Maybe if I wouldn't consider running 40+ year old LeMans rods I shouldn't run an old steel crank as well. Oh boy, I guess it all depends on if I feel like rolling the dice. I think I have raised more questions than answers.