Spec'ing Out 408 Build - Input?

[Hawkeye_306]

Current 306 runs strong, but no longer satisfied with it - I'm looking to build something that will be scary fast (& prefer small block for fitment & don't believe in nitrous). Heard that a Windsor based 408 is the way to go.

Anyone with experience building a 408 (that ran well)? I'm looking for specs & any tips, tricks, &/or things to watch out for.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Rick 91GT]

How much power do you want? What's the goal for the car? Manual or automatic? Any future power adder in the mix?

Do you have a budget in mind?

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[Hawkeye_306]

Looking to run high/mid 10's on motor - figure ~ 500 hp. Might add a turbo or blower down the road, but that's not the plan right away, so figure ~11:1 to start with.

Not looking to build a pure drag car, but something fun on the street, so 5 or 6 speed trans (not ratchet style).

As far as budget, I have a ballpark idea what this should cost & that is what I'm planning to spend...

 

[Rick 91GT]

Carb or EFI?

Basically any 10.5:1-11:0 comp 408ci motor with a 200cc+ cylinder head, large intake manifold with a Hyd roller will make well into the 500hp and tq range with no issue and can be 100% streetable.

 

[Hawkeye_306]

The engineer in me loves the idea of EFI, but frankly unless I go with full blown custom programmable system (which isn't worth the $ for me), I'm sick of hassling with the quirks, so going carb for this round.

What duration at .050 do you recommend for best compromise between top end & decent streetability? Dual plane intake? Intake/exhaust valve sizes? I've build half a dozen engines but a total novice on 408's.

Thanks!

 

[2000xp8]

Stock fox computer with the right meter and injector will easily run a NA 408. Carbs are the real headache.