Hughes Whiplash Camshaft

don't they respond better with higher compression? That's one reason I was looking to build the long rod motor.

Well sure. putting the long rod in them makes it much easier to get higher compression. Of course, you can also mill the block and head. On an inline six, that doesn't pose some of the alignment issues you run into on a V8 engine. Some say the long rod engine is good, some don't. Too late for me now, as I have a fresh long rod short block on the stand. lol