[LMH]

I'm in the engine stage right now and am finding that it's cheaper to buy a short block than it is to build one using my existing block. Labor and machining costs are terribly high. I've exchanged a couple emails with Keith Craft, who has just about exactly what I want (418W) for less than $3500. So you might talk to him and see what he has.
Also Brent Blykins here on Club Cobra is an engine builder and really knows his stuff. He's another one to talk to. 408 is a great engine and doesn't have to be radical at all.
Larry