Other underlyingdesign faults exist also. Some talk of weak mains allowing the crank to move around and thus damaging rods etc. Our rods have been seen as the "weak point " thus far but may be a symptom of another issue like that listed above rather than being weak themselves.
One big developement in the states is that a hugely respected engine builder DCR is going to examine and diagnose the failure causes big turbo etc MPS's are experiencing.
An example of his process is as follows.
Build a shortblock,
machine a head,
make 100 dyno pulls
track it
beat it
tear it down
examine for wear and failure
improve.....
then repeat
I personally have stopped pushing for more power untill a rock solid answer is available. This hopefully will be soon (not holding my breath though)
08 VW GTI PIRELLI DSG - 1 OF 400
S3 HEART WITH 229 kw OF APR GOODNESS
SOLD - 06 MPS3 / CPE CAI / CPE HKS BOV / CPE HV2 BELLMOUTH DUMP & METALLIC CAT / CPE MOUNT / COBB SUSPENSION / DBA SLOTTED ROTORS C/W HAWKS PADS