[donraye]

Hi all, I am just getting ready to build my first motor and would like some feedback from more experienced members on some component choices. I am ordering the small block already built and will need to know what heads I am going to use so that the builder will use the correct pistons to get that magic 10.5-1 conpression that will allow me to use pump gas but still have some punch.
This motor is for the street not for competition and I want the power to be biggest in the 2500 to 5500 range (or hopefully 2,000 to 6,000 range).
My head choices are limited by the total cash I have on hand for this project so the $2,000 plus goodies are out.
I have a choice of:
A: AFR 185s out of the box.
B: A fully checked, measured, and CNC ported set of Pro Comps in 215 or 230 cc runners. (before I hear all the yelling and BS about "Pro Comp Chineese junk" I will tell you that I personally saw a set of these very same CNCed heads in the 230cc runner size on a 418 stroker with a 750 Holley the other day turn in over 600HP on the Dyno here at Infineon!)
C: Another choice is a set of 195cc Dart Pro 1 Platinums (out of the box)
D: Lastly there is a set of Edelbrock Victor Jr. 210cc runner size out of the box.
I personally think all of the above EXCEPT the well built and fully CNC ported Pro Comps are probably too small for the 408 but some of you could have different ideas on that perhaps. The point is I can not spend more than $1,400 and change for the heads as that is the budget and the choices above are what that $ will buy.
The other big choice is a Hydraulic roller cam for this street or street/strip machine. I am thinking something in the .540-.560 gross lift is about right and I likle the new Comp Cams "Big Nutha Thumper" cam a lot (but some folks do not). There are 3 grinds in the "Thumper" line and that one seems to have the most power and it makes the power where I want it. I am open to any suggestion about a good retro roller cam or cam/head combination for this build.
I will be using the MSD ignition system and Edelbrock RPM intake off of my current 351 and the Holley 750 on it. I will also be using 1.6 roller rockers. The bottom end is all forged including the pistons.
Any help with ideas or combos that fall within the $1,400 max. heads and a good $700+/- street/strip roller cam/lifter combo would be appreciated. (The roller cam and lifters would have to be retro as this is an older block.)
My personal choice for now is the CNCed Pro Comp 230cc heads with the Comp Cams "Big Nutha Thumper" hyd. roller cam and lifters.
I want this engine to make at least 475 to 500 HP and 450 LBS of torque which should not be a problem I hope(?).
Thanks, Don