You ask about high rpm damage. I used to fix 216's in the parking lot while I was in college. The high rpm damage came from over revving in 1st and 2nd gear and missing gear. Wide open with no load, the dippers couldn't keep the babbits oiled. Even with a 4.11, I'm sure you would never drive like youngsters drove 50 years ago. By the way, why did you tear into the bottom end in the first place. Was it knocking, or were you just curious. There are places that still rebabbit rods, but it is expensive. Are you familiar with how to shim the rods and check them with plastigauge?" If not, you may have to try some old timer who still remembers these engines to help you.
