Never say never. I'm not here to argue. But at the same time, no one likes being told you can't do something. I've been turning wrenches a long time and am not ignorant. Have you always looked at your engine and said "that's all I can do!"? I actually got this idea from Smokey Yunicks book power secrets. He may be before your time, old time nascar. If you read the book, you may change your outlook. I agree that the 360 rods aren't the strongest in the world. If I could find a stronger set at the length I want I'd be all over it. I've wanted to try this for some time, and I now have the time to try. If it works, good for me, if it doesn't I'll try something else. The choice is mine, the money is mine, the experiment is mine. And after all is said and done, with the appropriate pin height on the longer rod, squish/quench would actually be enhanced. This would allow your choice of a lower octaine fuel at the same compression OR a higher compression with the same fuel. Like I said, I don't want to argue. If you can provide any assistance regarding my original question, I greatly appreciate it. Thank you again for all of your replies.

 

I'm sure no one was trying to talk down to you, or tell you you're ignorant.
The problem with writing down one side of a debate is that you can't see or hear the other person presenting their side so it often comes across as argumentative.
And many times guys don't go back and reread their posts to check for that.
That's why they give us those screwy smily faces to try to convey emotion.
You'll find a bunch of different opinions here. Don't be offended.

 

I'm all for experimental projects, if there is some sort of gain (power, mileage, reliability, etc). I know some of the stroker kits use BBC rods, is it possible that you could find the length of rod that you are looking for in that flavor? Also, if you read up on Survival Motorsports (they specialize in FEs) website, they don't like longer rods. He doesn't get into detail on why, but you might give them a call and hear the other side of the arguments. Either way, keep us informed!

 

Sorry guys. You are right. If I read something I believe to be argumentative I guess I can be real ****-itical of it. My apologies. You are right about some of the stroker kits Goliath. My drawback is that the ones I found jump to a 6.7" rod. That's way more than I bargained for. I can go a LITTLE larger than the 360 rods as long as I counter with an reverse offset grind on the crank. Since the block will be .060 over by then, my cubes will be maintained. I'm pretty sure I can work this out. I may even have to go the route of both custom rods AND pistons (def not my first choice).

 

If you just want to try it go ahead. I'm not saying there isn't a benefit to the longer rod theory but with such a small difference between the two (.052), you're not really going to notice much if any gain in mpg (less than 1mpg). And to do it you'll need custom pistons which will cost big $$s making the return on investment a LONG time. It just seems impractical, but hey it's your wallet.

If you just want to spend money and try it then go ahead. I thought the intention was saving money by increasing the mpgs. That is why I suggested spending that money elsewhere where it would make a real difference while not costing you a ton of money.

I meant no offense, just trying to be a voice of reason. I didn't know if you were a kid trying to get the most out of a new truck or a old wrench turner looking to experiment. You should check out the FE forum here and over on the net54 site. I think you'll find all the experts will agree that you don't want to use the "long" 352/360 rods. If you are set on it, then I would look into finding some of the 352HP rods that Bullit390 mentioned. They might be fine if you don't intend to drive it like you stole it.

 

Hmmm... Figuring $1000+ for pistons and whatever for aftermarket rods you could install a nice TKO or Richmond 5 speed or a Gear Vendors overdrive.

Or figure $2000 buys a lot of gasoline, even at $4.00 a gallon.

Also keep in mind those that use BBC rods are doing so for offset cranks and for different theories on bearing speed and nothing about rod length.


Josh

 

bullitt: is this why a 390 is a quicker higher reving engine than the 360?

dont get me wrong i like the 360 aswell as the 390 i think their both great engines

 

Hmmm... Probably has more to do with small bore and short stroke along with small valves, anemic camshaft and small 2 barrel.

Keep in mind the 60s NASCAR FE engines ran from 354, 374, 396 and 427 and all those engines held 6500+ rpm. Of course that is with the 427's big bore 4.23 and different cranks.

Josh

 

Thank you sleepy, I will check out the forum. I wasn't aware of it. I would be happier with those rods, yes. If I don't find a set, I'm sure I'll have a stronger set made. No one said R&D was cheap. btw, I know it doesn't sound like much, but my math shows a .060" difference. Since I know the correct rod size for me actually already exists, my real hum dinger has been the piston pin height. What I don't need are pistons popping out of the deck. For as long as the fe has existed, it would just blow me away if someone hadn't tried to make a piston for this combination of pre-existing parts. Anyway if it's true, that means I have to fork over more to try this. By now I've realized this doesn't sound logical to many. But, if I can pull it off, the sense of accomplishment will be all mine. Every car/truck enthusiast wants to make their car/truck unique in some way. Expense normally isn't an option, if it sets theirs apart. I love my truck, but I hate the 400 that's currently in it. Back when I was in the service, I built a 76 with a 390 in it. I wish I never sold it.

Thank you Bullitt. I have looked into those overdrive unit's, and am considering one. I've seen them advertised both pre-tranny and post tranny. Since mine is a stick, I'd go pre. I'll get around to that when it's the transmissions turn though. This current project is going to take some time. It all has to be right on paper before I start throwing the cash at it.

 

Given the tolerances Bullit390 showed you, the max it could be is .056. It could be as little as .048.

For the reasons we've stated that is exactly what you'll find. So you'll have to go the custom piston route at least. It's your ride and you can do what you want with it. If you get it all together, in whatever longer rod/shorter piston combination you come up with, I'd be interested to see the difference between it and a normal 390. Good luck.