it seems most people change pistons to lower compression ratio, wouldnt changing to a shorter rod or changing the crank do the same? what im wondering, why do most people change the pistons over the other options? is there any performance benefit from one to another?

piston heads...they have a depression in the center...

because its cheaper to buy lower comp pistons than it is to buy custom rods. lower comp pistons are already made, shorter rods arnt made so they would have to be custom order whihc would cost alot.

and the reason people change pistons is because you are more likely to break ringlands than are you rods. so changing pistons make a otherwise stock block more capable of handling boost

:iagree: and when you get the piston heads w/ the depression in the center, it tends to make the combustion chamber more spherical too.....instead of a flat top piston its now got a rounded depression in the center....idk if that is considered in the design tho......just something i thought of right now

whatever way you lower your compression for higher boost, just make sure you get some stronger rods and pistons.

concerning your specific question.

ive blown two b16 shortblocks, all boost spiking and rod related issues. put two rods made of the same material together, one being longer and one being shorter. look at them and right off the bat, you will know which one will have more strength.

not to mention that lowering a piston in the hole (stock or otherwise) will ruin your squish band.

Good pistons are essential if you want it to live....con rods too, depending on your tuning and power levels.

lowering other components, would make it so the piston could never reach tdc

lowering other components, would make it so the piston could never reach tdc

???

lowering other components, would make it so the piston could never reach tdc

[whispers] your crazy [whispers]