Hey gang....O.K. so let me get this straight ...the best combination is not an 810 but a 302 Chevy with a 900 crank 'cause it'll rev quicker when it is between 6-12 degrees outside. But if I want a square stroker to hang a little longer in the combustion chamber I've got to lengthen my rod. O.K. I got it but just don't tell my wife about the square stroker part...she might not understand like I do
Every engine design has its positves and negatives and their own individual applications or uses. Some powerplants are designed for low end grunt, some for mid-range and others for high rpm power. It is difficult to design a motor that gives you the absolute best of all three.
Let's not forget that the Chevy 302 (290 horse factory rating-under-rated but actual hp. was in the high 300's) was light on torque compared to the other bowtie mouse motors, but it was one of the highest revving small blocks of the muscle car era and really made the Z/28 scream. It was introduced by Chevy in 1967 (327 block, 283 crank) and was designed to fit under the SCCA 305 cu/in. class maximum. The little small block gave the Ford 302's a good run down the straights, but coming outta the corners at lower rpm's it was underpowered according to Roger Penske who campaigned the car with Mark Donohue behind the wheel. Under 4000 rpm the motor was lethargic but once it started to fill its lungs...watch out!
Cheers-Colin Firth-Ontario Canada