12 port are you talking about the "cadillac 261" engine? So what I am really understanding one of the main reasons you would increase the rods size is because of the design of the GMC rod is built stronger than the chevy, however if the rod is longer, then the added length of the rod would have to be subtracted by a shorter piston so it does not hit the head. The angle of the rod as 52Carl suggested I am sure has engineering benefits that i can almost visualize it I understand now how to get a longer stroke by offsetting the crank or putting a different crank that would work if that's even possible.

Now my next question since I put a stock 261 camshaft in my 235 engine, I was reading soup that chevy article that was published in May 1955 issue by hod rod magazine. Would the valve timing now be altered or the same as in the article? The article states the intake opens 11 1/2 degrees before top center and closes 52 1/2 after bottom center, duration 244 degrees and a lift at the valve .405
Exhaust opens at 51 degrees before bottom center and closes at 13 degrees after top center and a duration .244 degrees with a lift at valve .414 of an inch. Are these numbers the same with the stock 261 cam in the 235? This is stovebolt 101 for me. As I have mentioned earlier I have know rebuilt one motor. As I am reading the different concepts and thoughts I really can visualize what to do on my next stovebolt. I am taking notes all the way.


"As I lay rubber down the street, I pray for traction I can keep, but if I spin and begin to slide, please dear God protect my sweet ride." -Amen

56 Chevy 3100