Long Rod?

I've got a question for those more tech informed than me. What exactly are the benefits of turning your engine into a long rod motor? I know it basically gives the Rods more leverage but what is the overall effect? Does it give the motor more torque, more horsepower? Does it just make it easier on the motor and give the cylinders less of a ring groove? I'd like to know these things before actually making any commitments to building a long rod motor.

It can add some more torque and a little horsepower. A long rod engine will have a more favorable rod ratio (usually around 1.8 to 1) which comes into play more at higher RPMs (6000+). The piston has more "dwell" at TDC and BDC with a long rod.

If you want more HP/Torque look into a stroker (331/347) That's where the torque and horsepower lies...

Long rods vs. Short rods motors are one of those things that for as much fact about them there is a lot of fiction. More than adding more torque or hp, rod ration will affect your torque curve depending on what you want to do with it. Also in most cases but not all the longer rods will help reduce strain on the bearings also. I think CHP has some good tech info about rod ratios and role they play. Go check it out.