If I remember correctly, the shorter rod improves torque, all else being equal (timing, stroke, etc). Probably better to make a new liner with suitable timing.
Steve
Steve,
A longer conrod gives a THEORETICAL mechanical benefit, a better lever action at power stroke, that is favorable in low RPM/high torque ideology.
The original question was stupid at first glance but when I spent some time pondering it, it suddenly became interesting

. If we are only talking about a small increase of rod lenght, like some tenths of a mm or max. 1mm, the cylinder head relocation is a rather simple job to do.
The modification may be beneficial in turning a normal schnuerle engine into a 4-2-4 running engine also because raising the b.d.c. effectively fucks up the scavenging, as you can forget the original port angles. It seems that inefficient scavenging is an important factor in a classical stunt run, together with bad thermal balance. My only worry would be the exhaust port, personally I prefer it so that in b.d.c. the piston edge is clearly below the bottom of exhaust port.
Basically, these things cannot be calculated, trial & error rules!
Lauri