Quote Originally Posted by dhemi1
Hello again guys/gals.

Well I have desided, after much debate, lol, that I will build a 383 small block for a truck. You guys have been instrumental in that decision. I think this would be a better place to start off at then some the exotic 350 I had planned lol. When I was searching for cranks (I chose Eagle) they recommend a 5.700" or longer connecting rod for their crank. Now I heard (thank you John Lingenfelter) that the longer it is the better, becuase you don't increase the stress on the trust side of the piston. Is that correct? Then something to the effect that with a shorter rod you form more acute angles on the crank journals causing uneeded stress on the piston and wrist pin. Did I get all that right? Hope I did it was a mouth full. lol.

Thanks,

-Chris

Whoops, here it is.

Chevrolet 400 Forged 4340 Steel Crankshaft
400 Main Journals, No Spacer Bearings Required
3.750'' Stroke (should I go longer since its going to be in a truck?)
5.700'' or Longer Rod Length
2.100'' Rod Journal
(do all 400 cranks have the 2.65 main journal diameter?)
2-Piece Rear Seal
Internal Balance
1900 Bobweight
You can use the 350 main gearing dia.
By talking about the rod ratio/rod length you will get many ideas and thoughts what to do.