Technical 880 block stroker questions

So I’ve been putting parts together to build a 383 when an 880 block came up for a good deal with machine work already done.

problem is all my stroker stuff is for a 5.7 rod (pistons and crank) and buying a new one piece stroker crank or new custom pistons isn’t really in the works for me.

I’ve only heard rumors about the 880 block needing 6” rods, is this actually true or is it another (of the many) old wives tale?

 

What’s an 880 block?

 

^It's a late model roller small block with 880 casting number.

 

I see. If it’s the same as my ‘89 block I don’t see why 6 inch rods would be required.

 

880 block is a 1996-2000 350 block aka "vortec".

 

B.S. and Wives' tale's. Just build it.

 

I have an 880 block 385 (+.040"). It has 5.7 rods.

 

There are stroker kits that use 6-inch rods, but they need pistons to match, with the correct pin height.

Rod length versus stroke can have an effect on performance, but outside of NASCAR or F1, the difference would be subtle.

They are not need, and I have, for that matter, never heard anyone's wife discuss anything related to connecting rods.

 

Here's a good writeup: https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/c...ll-block stroker,the piston and cylinder wall.

 

I am aware of that, the issue stems from a (supposedly) shorter than standard cylinder and exposes the skirt to undue wear.

I have only seen this postulated online and seemingly one of those “heard from a friend”

 

This is fantastic!!! Actual first hand account.

thank you!

 

I never saw any evidence to support this assertion when I worked at GM.

To this point, the Chevrolet Performance Vortec 383 Crate Engine, pn: HT383E, has 5.7" rods.

It uses Chevrolet Performance Connecting Rods, pn: 19332460.

GM tested this combination, and thought well enough of that configuration to sell it over-the-counter, with a warranty.

Who else would give you a 24 Month or 50,000 mile warranty on an engine?

https://www.chevrolet.com/performance-parts/crate-engines/small-block-engine/ht-383e

 

The 880 deck height is the same as every other small block chevy, 9.025". Mine has been decked to 9.00" to maintain quench with a .041" gasket for aluminum heads.
6" rods are supposed to give less friction and wear on the thrust surface of the cylinder bore and piston. They also give more dwell time at top dead center.
As far as thrust surface wear, maybe you will only get 49.5K miles out of a rebuild instead of 50K.
For performance, I have never seen dyno results showing much more difference than the margin of error of the dyno. On the street, you would never feel the difference in the seat of your pants
Edit: The other thing about 6" rods is that the wrist pin bore has to be raised. It then intrudes on the lower ring land, leaving the ring unsupported. A steel reinforcing ring must be used under the ring. This has caused problems.

 

I have a 6in rod , flat tappet motor in this old Studebaker and I can't say it runs any better the 5.7 rod motors I have had. It does take a really skinny ring and no support rail is needed for the oil rings.

 

one of the main reasons I bought my stuff for a 5.7” rod was because the pin in ring pack issues of a 6” rod.

I don’t put a whole lot of weight in the “long vs short” argument for SBC. I always thought it was for my purposes at least not enough difference to make a difference