451 stroker, short connecting rods vs. long connecting rods.

If your just dealing with the STOCK 400 or 440 rods use what you have. If you had to buy a good set of aftermarket rods I would say go with the 440 rods.

Rev time and all that is something you will not notice. Its such a minimal thing. Stock 440s rev pretty good and their pistons are freaking heavy! Dont read to much into it, your not building a 800hp monster motor to rev to 8000rpm. Either way, it will run good.