Originally posted by pat mccarthy
this is only true to a point .the long rod will make the pistons shorter. pin is hirer up and with some stroke the pistons get verry short and the skirts to .so this works on the rings and on the walls so on a race engine rod speed is the eschew short rod can be made to run good and piston companies can re work skirts design or tapper trunning may help to so if not careful you end up were you started .working the rings and wallls and the pistons not stable in the bore. i look at it what will it takes to hook the crank to the pistons . is this a good CH can i get a goood ring pack on the pistons how much will i have from top of the pistons to 1 ring groove?? i have had custom pistons made for longer rods and see test done on this to apoint this may be true but you have to ask what are you going to do with the engine??
Are you saying that as the rod gets longer your piston gets so small that it starts to cock more in its bore?? I can see that happening........but also if you go with a short rod won't your crank throw hit the piston? I didn't think about that piston wobble that can happen, but it sure makes me glad that I opted for the 420 instead of the 427 with it one inch CH

I think for a street small block with a standard deck height, a 3.875 stroke and 6" rod should be max for durability........Just another thought.