long rod Question

[Norton22]

I have a long rod 2.3 ford engine I have heard I need to turn it more then I would a 5.2 rod engine to make it work this is for a Big dirt track is this info correct thanks for any input

[drtlvr]

I can't tell a difference either way. Dyno maybe can.

[Dirtman29]

I run on a 1/4 mile with my stock rod/crank 2.3L and usually beat the cars with long rod motors, on the 1/4 mine turns around 7300 RPMs. I go to their 1/3 mile track turning mid-hi 7s & just keep up with them, so yes you want that long rod motor up around 8K on a bigger track IMO.

[84Dave]

The short answer. There is slightly more side-thrust with a shorter rod. But there isn't much difference between a 5.2 & 5.7 length. As tested/discovered by Jim McFarland, when he was Chief Engineer @ Edlebrock, the rpm spread between peak TQ & peak HP is slightly LESS with a long rod versus short rod. But not much less in the case of a 5.2/5.7 combo. -Dave-