im rebuilding a 78 454 bbc and i was looking at rods and was wondering what are the advantages and disadvantages to getting a longer then stock rod. what is a stock lenght for one and how much longer or shorter can i go with a stock block no boring or anything like that? thanks

usually a longer rod will help keep the piston at TDC longer and will have less pressure on the side walls with a better rod ratio. i have also heard it can sometimes increase air flow, but do not know for sure about that aspects.

Lighter piston, slightly less cylinder wall wear. Don't fall for all the supposed advantages, most have never been proven. Go with a 6.385" rod, there are plenty of pistons available for that combo.

If I was building a mild 454 I would just use some 3/8 "Truck" rods. Plenty strong with new bolts and cheap. I don't think the long rod stories are really true till you get way on the end of the stroker range. Mine has 7/16 ls6 rods most likely a waste of money but I am not afraid of them breaking.

http://www.stahlheaders.com/Lit_Rod%20Length.htm

John

If I was building a mild 454 I would just use some 3/8 "Truck" rods. Plenty strong with new bolts and cheap. I don't think the long rod stories are really true till you get way on the end of the stroker range. Mine has 7/16 ls6 rods most likely a waste of money but I am not afraid of them breaking.

Agreed! Only reason to use a longer rod in this situation is if you buy a crank that requires a longer rod and will internal balance.

thanks guys