Stroke length is a factor, but more important is rod/stroke ratio.  The 283
Chevy and 302 Ford engines do have a 3" stroke (but not shorter than the
224" V8!)  The negative to this is they are more compact, forcing the
designer to use a shorter connecting rod.  The Ford 302 rod is barely more
than 5" long, for a 1.68 stroke/rod ratio.  This puts lots more side thrust
on the cylinder walls than the Stude 289 with its 6 5/8" rod for a 1.82
rod/stroke.  The 259 is even better, at 2.03, and the 224" has an incredible
2.26 rod/stroke ratio.  The Chevy and Ford race engine builders spend
thousands of dollars to build "long-rod engines" which still do not approach
the Studebaker.

Life is trade-offs.  The Stude V8 is lots wider, taller and heavier to get
the room for those desirable long connecting rods.

thnx, jv.