Well lets see here. The Ford 347 (most popular ford stroker) has a rod-ratio of 1.58. Ours is a 1.51, the chevy 383 (most popular chevy stroker) is a 1.52 and even the stock 454 has a 1.53 ratio. The consensus amongst engine manufacturers is that a ratio of 1.50" is the lowest acceptable rod ratio for a street motor. Realistically, rod ratios between 1.65" - 1.80" are ideal. Obviously a stroker motor will have more wear and tear on the rings than something with a more favorable rod-ratio, but depending on the engine builder, I would say that the 426 is no worse than the stock motor and might even outlive a stock motor. I am speaking from experience with a 426 that has over 30,000 miles on it. So a 426 with a smaller stroke and bigger bore will outlast the big stroke/smaller bore, but at what expense does that come. Sleeves almost double the cost of the shortblock, why not buy 2 of the standard 426's, that will surely outlast 1 426 with a more ideal rod/ratio. Im not arguing what is good and what is bad as far as rod/ratios go, but in the 6.1 block, its much more economical to do a 4.06/6.125 426 instead of a sleeved 426 IMO. http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2003/09/stroker/index2.php
