[Barry_R]

If my wallet was a little healthier I'd go to a Honda rod, .866 pin and a compression distance of 1.35. Leaves plenty of room for rings and enough barrel length so its its not too tippy. Remember - I'm a ring/ring seal guy...anyone want to kick in a few thou???

In a controlled rate of RPM gain contest I agree with Kaase when he says that lightweight parts are over-rated. There is certainly some inertia impact, but as Rick noted this is more of a head and cam contest than anything else.

Valvetrain is a real big deal. Spring losses are not as bad as one would think since they release against the cam with the same energy it takes to compress them - less some percentage for heat and friction. I ran .080 3/8 pushrods last year - they will be .130 wall this year - I don't know if the package will fit more diameter... The T&D that is now legal will certainly help stability...I had considerable flex with only four 3/8 studs.