408 vs. 418

[blykins]

I have built two Windsors with 4.100" stroke crankshafts. The ring pack is not in the wrist pin.

The 418 will make more torque than the 408. The extra .100" stroke will make a difference....just a guess, but probably 20-30lb-ft more at peak and a little more average power/torque across the whole range.

I always like the longer stroke engines and with the 9.500" deck height of the Windsor, to me it's a no brainer.

The only difference is that you will probably have to do a tad bit of grinding with the 4.100" stroke.

I'd aim for the Eagle forged 4.100" stroke crank, and a set of Scat forged I-beam rods. That will help offset the cost of the expensive H-beams, and they will hold every bit of the power that you'll make with a wild street engine. You can find the SBC 6.200" forged I-beams with capscrews for about $220-230.

Keith Black makes a great set of forged pistons that will work good with the 4.100" stroke. You can get them for about $350-375.

Go for the cubes.....if you're not turning 7000 rpm, you don't need a shorter stroke. The 4.100" stroke will turn some revs with a good solid roller camshaft.

Aim for the setup that does the most in your desired power range. A short stroke engine that makes good power at peak, but not a lot of torque down low doesn't really accomplish much when you're tooling around in 5th gear. With the 418, you can make as much power (if not more) as the 393/408, but have the bottom end to make it fun too.