[blykins]

Hey Tim,

The key to any well-thought-out engine build is matching all the components together to fit the rpm range that you'll be driving in.

Let me preface my thoughts by saying this: almost any amount of horsepower in a 2400 lb car is going to make it boogie. So you have reached your goal of wanting to be pushed back in your seat.

Looking at your combo, I think you'll be pretty happy with what you're working with. However, if it's not too late, I think I'd bump up the camshaft. You're leaving a lot of power on the table there. That is a cam that I would put in a 351-sized engine. A larger engine (50 cubes larger in your case) needs a lot larger camshaft because it needs to fill a lot more cylinder volume. Your cam in a 351 would put hp peak (depending on the cylinder head, but using your heads as an example) at about 5400-5500 rpm. That same cam in a 408 will probably drop the peak by about 500 rpm.

This engine would definitely be a torque monster with your current cam and it would be very gentle and streetable. If that's your goal, then you're there. My guess is that you'll be somewhere in the 415/425 hp range with all of the parts that you listed above.

If you decide to play with the cam selection a little bit, I would recommend Comp's XFI line of cams. The XFI236HR-14 (part # 35-775-8) cam would really wake that engine up and it would still be as docile as you want it to be.

With the larger camshaft, you'll gain about 30hp at peak, and probably 15-20 average hp(power across the entire curve). The hp peak would occur at 5500, still not revving the engine hard and still keeping a broad powerband.

You may also want to trade the timing chain for a chain with a lot of different keyways. If you can degree a camshaft, it will allow you to put the cam timing exactly where you want, instead of being hampered by just putting it straight up, 4°R, or 4°A. Sometimes the cams are off by 2° and the good sets will allow you to account for that. I like the Ford Racing M-6268-A302 set for builds like this. They will allow you to really fine tune the cam timing.

Other than that, take your time and double check everything: bearing clearances, degree the cam, intake manifold fitment, etc. It should make a super nice engine. If you bought your heads assembled, double check the spring pressures. I've never used a set of the RPM heads, so I don't know what they come with, but make sure they're adequate for a hydraulic roller. Chances are that they will be fine for your current combination.