Basic tule of thumb is a engine with a long stroke wont like being redlined,they make the most torque at low RPMs so there's no need to make it wind out,though they WILL,and scatter if you push them too far!...but you can beef up an engine with a long stroke to make it live at higher rpms,its not cheap though.....an engine with a short stroke will rev like a chain saw,and be less likely to toss a rod ,but will need to be revved up to get the most HP and torque..
Gearing plays a factor too,if you have low gears you'll want a motor that wont mind being buzzed up higher,and the opposite if you have high gearing...
In my experience ,small bock 283's,307's and 327's like to wind up,having shorter strokes than a 305 or 350,or 400 SB...the 400 on stock form is a lot like a 454,they dont need to be wound up to get the maximum torque..427's will rev higher than 454's with fewer failures on stock form..
The 292 straight six has the longest stroke of all the six bangers,the 230 and 250's have shorter strokes and can be wound up higher ,but still deliver pretty decent low rpm torque..
I liked the sixes for plowing,the combination of good low end and not much HP made them push snow without being as likely to spin the wheels,they just lumbered along...
I had 3 454's in different trucks and liked them a lot too though!..nothing beats a BBC for under hood "oohs and ahhs"...
) not working and then and puking out of the dipstick twice. But, youl have that at Mudfest.
