500 vs 512 from 400ci
I did the 400/500 build using the 6.76 Chrysler journal sized rods and short pistons. I did not like that the oils rings were in the pin boss, which required a support rail. If I was doing it again I would chose the shorter rod and taller piston, both for more skirt stability and the lack of the oil ring support rail. Also the 6.535 rod uses the Chevy journal size so the clearance on the oil pickup boss with the 4.25 stroke is about the same as the 4.15 crank and Chrysler journal size. 440 source shows a 1.320 compression height piston with a 24cc dish that doesn't use a support rail, but I noticed that they say the flat top version with the same compression height does use a support rail. I would also go with a complete 440 source kit, as they come pre balanced. I ended up having to have some machining done on the crank and adding mallory metal to balance it, which increased the cost and wasted more time.
I did the 400/500 build using the 6.76 Chrysler journal sized rods and short pistons. I did not like that the oils rings were in the pin boss, which required a support rail. If I was doing it again I would chose the shorter rod and taller piston, both for more skirt stability and the lack of the oil ring support rail. Also the 6.535 rod uses the Chevy journal size so the clearance on the oil pickup boss with the 4.25 stroke is about the same as the 4.15 crank and Chrysler journal size. 440 source shows a 1.320 compression height piston with a 24cc dish that doesn't use a support rail, but I noticed that they say the flat top version with the same compression height does use a support rail. I would also go with a complete 440 source kit, as they come pre balanced. I ended up having to have some machining done on the crank and adding mallory metal to balance it, which increased the cost and wasted more time.
