Hello all,
Read an interesting article about the effect and theory of longer rods
(center to center length) in the 302 Ford engine.
Let me preface this by saying that this IS NOT applicable to you who are
looking for cheap power out of a basically stock engine.
The article was written by Kevin Wilson at ENGINES magazine, a Petersen
Magazine home office in L.A. (a small rural area engaged in the manufature
and sale of snake oil). Their phone number is 323-782-2000......in case
you desire to contact them.
"However, one of the shortcomings of the 302 is its relatively short
rod-length-to-stroke ratio. Increasing that ratio through the use of
longer connecting rods reduces piston side loading in the cylinder, thereby
reducing friction, which contribute to durability. Use of longer
connecting rods also increases the time the piston stays to TDC, allowing
greater latitude in timing.(*less detonation) At the other end of the
stroke, the piston hangs longer at the bottom, resulting in complete
filling of the combustion chamber.(*better use of the ram effect of
improved manfolding and camming).
On Ford small blocks, longrod engines are also less sensitive to intake-
and exhaust-tuning than stockers. The longrod setup increases torque and
horsepower without increasing displacement."
This article uses chevy rods (5.565 in long vs. Ford 302 stock rods 5.09
in) to increase the rod length to stroke ratio from 1.696 to 1.855.
Like everything else in engine building, no one mod is a stand alone thing,
but for a serious engine, the longrod works.
Regards,
Ray
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