[blykins]

For the amount of horsepower that you're wanting, I really see no reason to spend the extra $2000-2500 for the Dart based engine. The block is more expensive right off the bat and the forged SVO crankshafts are more expensive than what you could use on a 408.

If you do decide to go with the Dart based engine, I wouldn't stop at a 4.000" stroke, I would go with a 4.100" or 4.250" stroke for 445 or 460 cubic inches.

I prefer the Scat crankshafts over the Eagles. You will have issues with any brand if you start to use large quantities of them. I've had to mill down some rods to get the side clearance that I've needed with Scat rods/Scat cranks, but I will tell you that no engine combination is just going to fall together without touching anything. The Scat cranks have a better finish on them without a doubt. I got a batch of Eagle cranks several years ago that had journal blems, so I stopped using them altogether. I don't know what people are calling excessive side clearance on rods, but I will say that more clearance isn't always an issue.

I use AFR heads on most of my small blocks. If the customer doesn't mind some custom header work, then I'll use some Trick Flow heads as well.

The head size and camshaft specs will all depend on what cubic inches you decide on, but I would use some other lobes besides the Xtreme Energy lobes that you were referring to.

I have some big Windsor packages on my website and you can go on there and see what parts I use as an example.

My advice is skip the 500hp and go for something closer to 600. I have a lot of guys that come to me and tell me that after a year or so, they've gotten used to the car and they would like more power. Making 600 streetable horsepower is pretty easy with a lot of cubic inches and since Cobras come with a gas pedal, you only use what you need.