bnickel
Founding Member
Either the test was seriously flawed or the facts were mis-stated. Changing the rod length and not the cam timing as well as the size of the intake tract would be a flawed test. Long rods generally like more port velocity. Shorter rods like more flow.
I have looked for any statement that long rods require less octane, but have not found one. I did see that long rods can help combustion in some cases, but cause detonation in others. I don't see how anyone can think that holding the mixture compressed longer does not increase the chances of end gases igniting. Flame speed of the fuel comes in too. There are far too many variables to assume that rod ratio is something that is a given.
i haven't found the article yet and i probably won't for several days at least. my grandfather died today so i don't really feel much like looking for it. i will say that i personally am not making blanket statements, go back and re-read my posts and you'll see that i'm talking about one specific engine, the 351w and a stock stroke windsor at that. i've already stated that i'm not talking about stroker motors or even long stroke motors in general, especially ones with relatively short deck heights, i've also stated that for stroker motors with relatively short decks that the rod ratio is not going to be the primary concern, however i will say that i've seen tests and articles/studies that say that in short deck long stroke motors you do need to run the longest rod possible for the combination without sacrificing other aspects of the build such as piston compression height or ring packs.
i'll also say that a long rod motor may not be the best motor for some applications but for the motor i'm building it's the best engine for my needs and goals. everyone should do their own research and decide for themselves what the best combo is for their goals, needs and budgets. i don't know for sure when i'm gonna be leaving town but i'll try to look for the article when i get home next week, if it was printed withinh the last couple of years i'll have the magazine.