Some ware can be compensated for by taking material off the rod and rod cap and then reaming it out undersized. You could also try tinning the bronze bushing with lead free solder. It is made with tin and silver and polishes to a very slick surface.
About ten years ago I was curious about the approximate cost of building titanium connecting rods for a small two cycle motor. (2.125" bore by 1.75" stroke). As I recall, the first connecting rod was $3000, but the rest were only $1000 a peace. These of course had needle bearings on both ends. . . . 😀
