Flathead Screws, We were discussing that subject in the GearHead column on Nov. 15
you might want to check that out. Its under "540 questions"
I didn't know about the piston dwelling longer at TDC with a longer rod. I'll have to think about that one.
I went with an aftermarket tall deck block 10.7 " and a 7.25" long rod to give me a rod angle to stroke ratio the same as a 350 chevy which is suppost to be optimum. The pin hole in the piston is so high it is through the oil ring groove and required a special aluminum oil ring support pin retainer button.
The rod length to stroke ratio for a 454 is 1.53
For a 350 chevy it is a much more desirable 1.7