Is connecting rod bushings needed?

Something wrong with simply running the Pin with an "interference" in the Rod small end ? installed thermally ?

Yes, running the pin "floated" in the rod "steel on steel" has been done in the past, and was common back in the day.... but Old School & outdated today at best on TODAYS Oils.
and,
it NEVER WAS the best application of the "dissimilar hardness metals" under lubrication theory... due to the HARD tool steel Pin material against the 1053 steel Rod !
Too close in hardness IMO for todays NON Zinc and Moly/Phosphorous Oils !
Is this just a "brackets" type deal ?
or,
a Street driven application ?

If "Street"... IMO, you would be well advised to run the Pin with "Interference" in the Rod, and Pin-Fit the Pin Bores themselves to .001"on the 1.094" Pin, call it a day.

i respect your opinion and made some good points. but i have to ask. .. Have you ever had problems running floating pins with no bushings? the car is a 383 street car thanks