Until you get beyond 4.31" strokes, there have been OEM engines with that stroke. Look at the 226 Slant 6. It has a mile-long stroke. Do they have excessive ring wear?

A 408 with stock rods has nearly exactly the same rod/stroke of a 454 chevy, and it's better than a 400 chevy engine. So it's not like breaking new ground. Of Course there will be more side loading, but the real question is, is it beyond the lubricating system's ability to cope? Signs point to no.

If the increased side loading is a factor, I would expect to see the common strokers not being able to post hp/cubic inch numbers similar to the shorter stroke engines, and while there is a difference, it isn't huge.

R.