Stock rod length?

[Fasterthansome]

http://www.ohiocrank.com/rotating.html

Take a look at some of these Assy.

[NixVegaGT]

WOW stuff for Chevy is cheap! I'm with Bruce on the rod length. Chevy largely overlooked rod/stroke ratio. The worst being the 454 at 1.53! DAMN. No performance advantage to have a better ratio (arguable depending on use) but you'll get better longevity and more piece of mind at higher rpm with something more like 1.6 (6inch rod)(You end up around 1.48 with the 5.656 rod OH MY GOD I DONT LIKE EVEN TYPING IT). I prefer closer to 1.7 and ended up with 1.68. Bruce is running 1.8! Better for high rpms.

Here's a technical paper explaining the Pros and Cons. There are benefits to having a shorter rod better cylinder filling dynamics but I think the cons outweigh the benefits.

http://victorylibrary.com/mopar/rod-tech-c.htm

I think this is a factor that is not often considered when us regular guys build engines.

Wow, the more I read that technical paper the more I like it! This is important info.

[Fasterthansome]

Just thought I would mention some builders are going with short rod combos for pump gas builds.
Less chance of detonation they say.

[cosvega76]

I ran the short 400 rods in my 383. The car ran 12.80s with a TH350, 1800 stall, and 3.42 gears. I put 28,000 miles on it until I kicked out 3 rods autocrossing - but that's another tale...

Chuck

[mldeolde]

i want to here more from the guys using h-beam rods in there 383's. are you guys using the thick oil pan gaskets like the one pieces i use? DAMN. I VE ALWAYS BEEN TOLD THAT WAS AN ABSOLUTE NO NO FOR AN H-BODY PAN CONFIGURATION FROM EVERY SOURCE I'VE CONTACTED. BECAUSE OF THAT I'VE PASSED UP ALOT OF GOOD DEALS FOR H-BEAM RODS IN FAVOR OF 4340 CAP SCREW I-BEAMS WHICH ARE GOOD ENOUIGH FOR MOST APPLICATIONS BUT H-BEAMS ARE BETTER INSURANCE-BUMMER,BUMMER,BUMMER!!!!!!!!

[Fasterthansome]

I am running H beams in a 400 with a stock camaro pan that was slightly modified The #1+2 rods tried to hit bottom of pan and a ball peen hammer took care of that. I cant say for sure but h beams with thicker gasket and stock pan should clear.

[myvega]

My biggest complaint with H beam rods is that normally, the block will have to be clearanced more, thereby running the risk of breaking into a water jacket, and, they typically weigh more. They also create some camshaft clearance issues, and a small base circle cam is mandatory with them. Unless you're going circle track racing with your ride, I'd stick with a good forged I beam. Scat, Cat, Howards, and several other mfgrs. offer a decent low cost forged Rod. Now, if you're gonna run spray, then you're opening up a whole 'nuther can of worms. I have in the past run H beams,and they worked ok with the Moroso pan. For overall brute durability, the H beam is probably the best bet. But, up to 600 HP and no nitrous, there's nothing wrong with an I beam rod. Remember also, that 383s are NOT high RPM motors. They are torque monsters down low, not something you spin to 8 grand. I've gone as quick as 9.72 and I shift at 6500.

[NixVegaGT]

Three rods! Holy Crap! That must have been scary. How'd it do autocrossing?

[2lucke4u]

75tc
milodon just for monza/vega sumitt,, the oil pan rail was ground to clear the rod caps and bolts,we left about 1/16 clearance,over 50 passes and no problems yet,no problem with the gasket sealing,,
Charles

[cosvega76]

Three rods! Holy Crap! That must have been scary. How'd it do autocrossing?

Let's just say, make sure you use the correct pickup for your non-high-volume oil pump if you're corner-burning...

I have a nice Milodon oil pan! It only has a portion of the left side blown out!

Chuck

[candipogo]

i have a milodon pan on my custom built 383. i have a 75 vega. the pan is 4" deep back to the drop at the rear of the pan. i think these rods are 5.7 inches.
phil