Anyone ever heard of this?

My brother, who has been caught in some B.S. about cars before, says some guy is trying to sell a 342, claiming it's a "downstroked" 351w. He says the guy put a smaller crank in it, kind of the reverse of a stroker kit. I have never heard of this before and it sounds like a tall tale. Doesn't a stroked 289 turn into a 342?

 

No one has any input?

 

I've heard of it, even done it before, but the details that are necessary are too complicated for most people. I could see trusting the engine if it was machined and assembled in a good engine shop. But I definitely would not trust a DIY builder.

Some engines do not live well at high RPM's. Too heavy of pistons, excessive piston speed, lubrication flow issues, etc, etc. There are many limiting factors.
If you were to short-stroke an engine, you could increase your redline RPM limit while keeping the same piston speed. This would be useful if you were racing in a category that limited cubic inches of engine displacement.

 

sure someone isn't confused on how to get 347 cu in?