Starting 408 build - thoughts or suggestions?

[YerDugliness]

There is no replacement for displacement. Is there some reason you are only stroking it to 408 CID? Lots of builders are getting 427 CID from the 351W block.

You might want to check out other heads, too...my favorite builder has some pretty good things to say about the Twisted Wedge brand, IIRC.

Cheers!!!

Dugly

[Texasdoc]

Originally Posted by YerDugliness

There is no replacement for displacement. Is there some reason you are only stroking it to 408 CID? Lots of builders are getting 427 CID from the 351W block.

You might want to check out other heads, too...my favorite builder has some pretty good things to say about the Twisted Wedge brand, IIRC.

It seems like the 427 is too big a step up from the 351. I've heard some people complaining about it being too much for a stock block.

I've also heard about the TW 11R heads (I think that's the code). Do they flow as much as the AFRs?

Originally Posted by Three Peaks

Here is a great cam for that build-
COMP Cams: Xtreme Energy™, XR294RF-HR: Cam & Kit

The 294 cam states it requires 4.10 gears. I have 3.73 gears. Would the XR288RF cam work as well? Both of these also say not for E.F.I. I'm planning on the EFI system. Will it work or not?

Both of those cams are small base circle. I guess since they have the link bar lifters, I wouldn't need the dog bones, but the pushrods may not be the right length.

Looking at those kits, they have the cam, lifters, pushrods, timing chain, springs and retainers. Looks like a big price saving for the kit. Don't the heads come with springs and valves already installed. Will I need to switch out the stock springs on the heads?

Thanks! Tom

[Silversmith]

I was going to build a 408, but ended up with BBF. If interested, I have a set of sbf AFR 205 Outlaw heads that might suit you well. With heavy duty springs & the works ready to go. Also @ half the price you'll pay for a new set. Drop me a note if interested.

[blykins]

Just so you know, I can meet or beat Summit's prices, and if you have a question about something you buy, I touch these parts every single day.

For a lower priced 408, it's hard to beat a Scat 9000 series crank, I-beam rods, and a set of Probe forged pistons.

As for heads, I would give an AFR 205 the nod.

On the cam, don't read the description that any cam manufacturer gives as to what gears are needed, what rpm range it's for, etc. How do they know what displacement you're using? Or heads? Or intake? The same cam in a 351 is going to act TOTALLY different than the same cam in a 408 or 427. I'd be more than happy to recommend a cam for you if you wish.

The link bar lifters are not over $500....more like $385 for a nice set of Morel lifters. With that being said, if your block is already set up for a lifter spider, it's a lot cheaper to go with a set of OEM lifters. In an application like this, either would work perfectly fine.

I would suggest giving an engine builder a call, whether it be me, Keith, Barry, whoever, and making it a one-stop shop, so you know everything will work together without issue. I've tried every head that you've mentioned (including the new 11R heads on a 408), different cams, carbs, intakes, you name it.