I've never personally dynoed an engine with different rod ratios. From the tests I've seen the HP & TQ numbers are VERY close, typically <1 percent difference. I'm sure there are specific applications where different rod ratios would be worth the effort. However, on the GMC the piston/rod/pin weight savings over shadowed all else. There are so many other areas to address with this engine that rod ratio is a very low priority.

The distributor gear and cam gear were destroyed the last trip down the strip. So I build an external oil pump (BB Chrysler) and distributor drive thats driven off the front of the engine with a Gilmer belt. I fired the engine and set the timing and everything looks good...no leaks and 60 psi of oil pressure. If I knew how to post pictures on here I'd show what it looks like. If someone will let me send them the pictures they can post them.
That is if anyone's interested.

Ron