I am not trying to reinvent the wheel. Please explain how a 6" rod and heavy piston is better than a 6.6" rod and lighter piston. I have a set of new TRW pistons with polished tops and balanced, but I am going to sell them because they are still pretty heavy. I also have a set of stock rods that have been lightened and beams polished. If I end up not going to a longer rod, I am at least going to buy a lighter set of pistons. Improving your stroke/rod length ratio and reducing reciprocating mass takes alot of stress off of the crank and block. I would like to consistantly run 11.0 and not have to worry that I am going to break the main webbing and drive over my crank. Everyone here has me scared to death and I guess for good reason. I will be willing to dish out a few extra bucks to make my engine more reliable.