6" connecting rods over 5.7"? Do i have to run a thicker HG? Does it affect compression ratios? Do i have to use longer pushrods? I need some info... thanks in advance.

 

Connecting rod length changes the kinematics of piston movement. The piston velocity will be different as it approaches TDC/BDC, for instance, with 6" vs. 5.7" rods. Also affects side loading of the piston.

You need pistons made for your stroke and rod length. The piston location at TDC will be the same regardless of rod length (well, not different because of one rod length vs. the other - you can get slightly different pin height pistons, but we're talking 0.025" differences, not the 0.300" difference in rod lengths).

 

So is it beneficial to up the stroke that little bit or would it even matter? Also, are I beam rods just lighter than H beams or is there a distinct diff between the two?

 

The length of the rod does not affect the stroke or the length of the pushrods. Stroke is completely determined by the crankshaft. Pushrod length is a completely different topic.

H-beams are typically lighter than I-beams.