I decided after having the truck since new and although it really didn't have a bunch of miles on it (65,000 kilometers) to go for more power. I started with a '96 block and stock rods( magnum rods do have a good reputation for being strong) Block was bored out and notched and my son built it for me. A Callie crank was added along with Icon pistons for a 10.5 compression with my big valve R/T heads and 1.7 rr's. We weren't buiding a high revving drag engine but a torquer so the stock '95 cam was used along with some head polishing and gasket matching. On top was a 52mm billet Holley TB along with a 14" by 3" K&N. Dave at B&G tuned the stock puter for us. We bumped fuel pressure from stock 39 lbs to 49lbs by using pressure regulater from a '96 and added 30lb Accel injectors.
The result has been ,well , spectacular. The truck runs very strong from 850 to 5000 rpm and runs like a dream with no pinging(I use 94 octane fuel). Of course fuel consumption is up(tough not to keep hitting gas pedal harder). The truck has been transformed. We had some clitches with it running a bit lean and Dave was certainly patient with me as we talked about levels of fuel trim.
So if you are contemplating a 408 build all I can say is just do it! You won't regret it.

 

one day i will do that!! one day!!

 

man, you've got me excited for mine!

sounds pretty similar to mine- fully machined 360 mag block, MP 4" cast crank, mag rods, KB dish hypereutectic pistons, comp custom ground HR cam .576 exhaust. .573 intake, polished and ported R/T heads, crower 1.7 full rollers, ARP studs/rod bolts, 30lb ford racing injectors, M1 intake, 53mm fastman TB, SCT by hemifever