408 or 427??

i'm thinking on building a 351-based stroker engine and i cant decide between the two(408-427). i will be using a production block and don't really know what the limits are as far as strength and such. the kits are similarly priced and i know bigger is better but how much is too much?

Most folks find the 427 to be a good build, although, challenging for the inexperienced engine builder. I don't say that to be insulting quite the opposite actually the skill involved can be challenging and wasting your hard earned dollars doesn't make sense to me.

Most 427 make around 500 horsepower and about the same in torque. They are fairly reliable and will take a beating for a while, most find the rod ratio very poor, but it is in big block chevy too. But that doesn;t stop the bow tie boys from shifting at 7000 rpm. You will not have to take the 427 that far to make good power.

The challenges come in your ability to notch the block and clearance the oil pump, windage tray etc.etc.

The 408 makes good power and should fall in the 400-450 range same with torque. Parts are a little easier to come by, and notching block is still and issue, and clearancing the oil pump, cost wise negilible between the too. Coast high Proformance offers kits for both builds.

If it was me, I would also spend some good hard earned green backs on a nice set of heads from Fox lake. Something nice like a set of Canfield stage 1-2 ported should make really good power, of course a good came is also important. If it was me and you haven't stated your choice of street or strip only, so I'm guessing both. I would get something with a spilt duration ofabout 10-12 degrees and a lift of 550-575, and a duration of 230-250. I like hydrualics in a street engine. Thats my two cents.. Thanks for reading, I'm old and crazy.. Mac

408- $1250.00
427- $1250.00

thanks for the post mac. thats exactly the answer i was looking for...almost. do you(or anyone else) think the 427 is too much for the production block? i don't know how far i would have to bore it to get the 427 cube displacement. i decided to go this route over using the 390fe engine i already have. too much cutting for me. i sure do like that 500 hp/ft. lbs. of tourque. that would motivate my 65 fairlane quite nicely i think.

from memory the 427 is only a 0.30 bore and a 4.170 stroke,as long as the rest of the engine is up to the task of that many ci,go for it...

Anytime you go over the 4.00 inch stroke you need to pay attention to counterweight clearance in the cam tunnel.
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