hey guys, im in the process of starting a 408 build up, but im looking for some advise on were to start. should i buy a 351w block and a good forged strocker kit and have a machine shop do the assembly and the machining? or should i buy a complete short block already done? im looking for the least expensive way out and i dont mind doing some of the labor myself except the machine work. next, what size heads do i need and what brand? and same for the cam, what size and specs for the cam should i get and what brand? and i was thinking of getting the super victor intake with a holley 750cfm carb. my goal is 450-500hp at the wheels and to still be streetable. not a d.d. but a weekend warrior for small trips. thanks for the help. john

 

Generally you'll be able to buy yourself a shortblock for cheaper than you can do it yourself. That is unless you have some connections. If you shop around, you can get a fully forged 408w shortblock for around 2400 shipped.

 

For the HP range you want you can find a factory Windsor block running around somewhere. I am not sure if AdderMk still has his '69 block for sale or not but that would be the way I would go for your application. Either a '69 block if you can find one, then do the roller conversion. Or get into a late model 351 block to get the benefit of the roller set-up.

Heads, it would benefit you most to be in the range of 225+cc heads to get the maximum use of your cam and intake.
Intake for F/I I would look into the "Spyder" intake, it seems to be amongst the better of the options for the Windsor out there right now. Camshaft to keep it streetable I would say no higher than .550 or in that range, depending on what your valve spring material and settings are, valve sizing and piston type (dish, domed, semi pop up etc.)

Naturally aspirated you will have to either run somewhat high compression or spray to obtain the RWHP you desire. Forced induction will get you there in a hurry. Basically you can buy a custom grind camshaft for about the same price as off the shelf, you might really want to take a look into that option also, as that with a good head and intake combo will really take your motor to the next level.

P/M me if you want, I can give you some links. And get up with FullAuto on here about forged stroker kits, he is not only knowledgeable but he seems to give folks some really competitive deals.