The way the original rods were done, they came out of the factory with .004" of shims in the rods. With reconditioned rods, I would think that they would be set up the same way. It sounds like there is an independant shop that will make them precise enough to be used as is.
I had my rods machined to take inserts. The inserts are made of more advanced multi layered material. They are of similar makeup to other modern inerts. They should have a longer service life than the old style rods.
On the 235 quetion, a more modern full pressure 235 would take more abuse and would do better at the higher RPMs.
