what has more advantage: decking the block or using longer rods?

I am confused on what difference each would make. How much clearance is there on a stock 350 deck surface to the piston? Would putting in a longer rod be a basic equivalent to decking the block? All you are doing is changing where the piston is in relationship to the head. The stroke will still remain the same. Correct?

I may be completely off, but that is why I am asking. Thanks.

 

it's not even related decking the block just squares it up to the CL of the crank and long rods are longer ,increases dwell at tdc and reduces side load on the piston/cylinder. sbc rods are 5.7, except the 400 (5.56 i think) going to a 6" rod would stick the piston out the top of the hole .3 " so you have to use a differant piston to move the piston back where it belongs. most factory block run the piston .020 or so in the hole. i usually go for a zero deck or something real close to it. decking the block only removes a few thousandths of metal off the deck surface.

 

Decking the block can also help to bring the piston up to zero with the deck and raise compression right??

 

sure taking some metal off the block will raise compression, but not much and if you're wanting to raise compression decking the block isn't how to do it.