Small Block Stroker Facts
Small Block Stroker Facts:
- A non stroked V8 engine will typically make 1 foot lb of torque per cubic Inch
- Put on a Set of Aluminum Cylinder Heads raises this up to 1.3 per cubic inch, so a typical 302 engine will realize a gain of 70lbs more Torque
- A one point increase ( 9 to 1 to 10 to 1 compression) will see a 4% gain in performance across the board.
Compression beyond 10.7 to 1 has a much bigger increase in chance of Detonation. - An increase in cubic inches automatically increases torque. The Rod length and Bore will dictate where it comes in more lower or higher.
- Shorter Stroke motors produce less torque at lower RPMs but Peak at higher RPMs than a long stroke.
- Opposite holds true for Longer stroke means more lower end power with sacrificing some top end performance with the increased travel time of the piston.
- A street car operates in the 2000-4000 RPM most of the time so a longer stroke will have some more benefits within reason in this power range.
- A bigger Bore less stroke engine will make more horsepower but for 60 foot times the longer stroke engine will produce some more lower power but start to lose steam higher in the RPM Band.
- Iron Crankshafts are typically good up to 6000 RPMs before moving up to cast steel or Forged.
- Rod to Stroke Ratio. Generally you want to increase the length of the connecting Rod to take away from the Rod Angle to reduce side load and thrust on the piston. Customized pistons used with the stroker kits will compensate for this. Compression heights are important on the engines pistons.
- When increasing the Stroker going with a longer duration cam to compensate for more air being drawn into the motor by using better flowing heads and more cubic inches.
- Transmission, U-joints, Driveshaft, differential, axles and Brakes are all good upgrades when going with a 400+HP Stroker engine. Higher Stall speed Converters too.
- Tire slicks add to more stress on the drivetrain whereas smoking the tires is not as harsh.
- Too much camshaft, too much compression is a waste of gas and is a pain to drive in stop and go traffic.