I have never used those stupid rod braces. Most of my serp systems came from S10's so those were made to fit the goofy exhaust manifolds. I definately understand your point, with that kinda money they should have come and dropped the motor in your truck for you and brought a 6 pack of beer!
Honestly, I never run those braces because they won't reach with hedders and I'm too lazy to make a set. I even ran a serp system in my race truck without them and have never had a problem.
If everything lines up and but you just need a bolt then I'd use them. However, if they don't reach, you can get away with out them.
