I can get a very nice deal on some 5.7" rods, but I was really thinking about putting 6" rods into my 383 this winter...should I be smart and go with the good deal because I don't have a lot of money to begin with or is there huge amounts of improvements with the 6" rod?

I won't see any problems with a 5.7" rod with a 400 crank correct?

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82 Z28
355 carb'd, Edelbrock Performer RPM package (minus heads), Hooker Super Comps, Mufflex 4" offroad y-pipe, 700r4 with B&M shiftkit, '85 IROC 10 bolt rear with Richmond 4.10's & Auburn posi unit, Lakewood 50/50 drag shocks. Shooting for 3000lbs w/ driver.

The car's website

(383 buildup this winter)

AIM: Unitedhope
ICQ: 77979548

 

I should also add that I plan on a 6000-6500 redline and torque and hp somewhere in the range of 450...

 

Go with the 5.7" rods, especially if you're getting a deal. I've done both. Piston selection is plentiful for the 5.7 rod/stroker, and priced MUCH better. Custom pistons for a 6" rod stroker will numb you.
I'm not sure about the performance gains with the 6" rods alone, because I changed alot of other things when I went from the 5.7" to the 6.0" rod, but I'll wager it's not worth the price of the pistons for the 6.0" rod alone.

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85 calif. iroc
383/A4
9" rear

 

When using anything longer than 5.85 on a 3.75 stroke motor, you end up having the oil ring supported by a insert (at the wrist pin area) because the wrist pin has been moved up soo high.

 

A 6 inch rod will help reduce high rpm stress. This is really important if the high rpm is sustained for long periods of time--like circle track. If money is no object I would do it. For a street/strip engine, I would think twice about the 6 inch rods because of the cost.
As far as power improvement, you may see a little, but not much.

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82 camaro--original steering wheel, brake/gas pedals, seats--everything else modified
82camaro

 

that settles it then, 5.7" rods for me