Some technical data for all-
It is essential to use the longest rod you can afford to fit in the engine.
A longer rod causes the piston to "dwell" longer in the vicinity of top dead center. This allows pressure to build higher and translates into more torque and horsepower. Less side load (friction) is a free benefit.
The term usually used is rod ratio.
I can't take credit for this - some Florida guy named Smokey Yunick said this.