I will point out a few facts here, American pie...to speed up your learning curve on this issue. ...... I started where you are, wondering what the heck I wanted under the hood......have gleaned quite a bit of info on this site...and I highly recommend that you visit the archives, especially the BB section... there is a wealth there.
* Low compression is GOOD on a street car...too much and you will be using aviation fuel or octane booster (hard to get the mix just "right" each time for the additive, and both are expensive and a hassle) High compression is overrated as far as the BIG engines are concerned...a SB might need it, but not these big boys. Beyond about 400 hp you are going to have traction issues as your main concern...anyway
* (Basically) The 514 is a "super stroked" 429...the 460 is a stroked 429 . All are the 385 series of blocks..
* I cannot describe the 460 (535 horse) or the 514 (600 hp) as being "mild" or having a mild cam...both will scare the willies outa ya, and the 514 will, as the Ford literature says "put you back in your seat".
There are crazies here at CC that have more HP...we love 'em, and drool over their open motor compartments, but most of us are "not worthy"
* Cast cranks can be just fine, especially the steel versions, or the nodular iron type (not sure how these are made, but don't let the iron part fool you, most piston rings are iron) Forged cranks sound great, but are usually not needed.
* If you want more HP you will pay BIG bucks for the scant extra HP you will get...one thing you might consider is to buy an SVO and have it balanced and blueprinted by a REAL 385 series PRO...I did not do this, because I did not want my build slowed down more than it already is... By the time my motor is ready to be replaced, I will have something extra juicy sitting on an engine stand waiting for the transplant...a custom built motor from a pro shop. If you have time, money, and want something really different, then by all means build something rad.. you need go no farther than this:
http://www.schubeckracing.com/904.htm
Of course, we will all be counting the miles until something else breaks on your snake, if you use the 904. The strength of the rest of your drivetrain is the crucial element when you get over +~450 hp
