Quote Originally Posted by ThirtyTwo
I was thinking of going fuel injection cause I have no experience with carbs. My budget is probably $3000 max. I just want to be able to rev to 7grand and set the engine up for midrange and top-end power. I didnt think it would be hard to get 450-500hp so I figured I could do it in that price range


Why do you want to rev the engine so high ?

The best part of any V8 is that they produce plenty of torque, especially in the mid range, where a lot of experienced street V8 people set them up. Generally speaking the longer the stroke on a V8 the higher the torque and the lower the revs, like say a 383 = 4.00 bore x 3.75 stroke. Now we go to the other end of the line a 302 = 4.00 bore x 3.00 stroke. The 302 liked to rev 7500 rpm for a factory engine. 3rd engine a 350 = 4.00 bore x 3.48 stroke. The 350 generally reved out to just on 6000 rpm factory.

Notice that all these displacement engines shared a common bore 4.00 inches only the stroke changed. This information goes to 1st generation SBC engines from 1962 327 4 inch bore to 1986 350 4 inch bore with the 2 peice rear main oil seal blocks.

Next most important thing in your motor is the camshaft, this one thing will dictate which cylinder heads and pistons you use.

I would suggest that this being your 1st V8 engine that you go with a 350 as mentioned they are plentifull, also they are easy to build. and they produce power. I also strongly suggest because of your budget that that you stick to around 350 HP which is an easy target to shoot for if done right. And aim for midrange torque. Say a rev range of 2000 to 4800 Rpm. By revs, what I think you mean is that you want a fast respondsive engine with plenty of "snap" So a mechanical solid lifter camshaft will achieve this.

There are plenty of people on here that run and build V8' and the ways and sizes are as varied and different as guys spinning wrenches.

Oh and welcome aboard.