In the Dakota world (which is a good place to learn about high output 408s) I've read about a lot of NV3500s behind blower, turbo, and nos assisted 408s, with claims of being good to 500 rwhp. I'm not sure if our heavier trucks would make much difference there though.

As for what you could use from your 5.2, here is a list of what I've been able to reuse from my 5.9;
Distribtor, oil pump drive shaft and gear, valve covers, oil pan. I could have reused my rockers, but opted for the Harland sharp roller rockers (part #37006 I think... I'll have to look again). I'm into mine about $6200 and still not done. I'll be close to $7000 when done I think.

 

There is a reason the NV3500 NEVER made it into 3/4 or 1 ton trucks......

Also, I believe our trucks outweigh the Dakotas by around 1500 pounds or so.

 

I think i will just rebuild my old 360 and call it a day ! I can't afford $7,000 for a engine for a truck that hardly gets drove !

 

Very true. They are built lighter and probably wouldn't handle the loads those trucks are rated for for very long. I was just parroting what I've read in other forums about what a NV3500 would handle power wise.

OP, It just depends on what you want, and what the truck is worth to you. The only reason I'm willing to spend this much on mine is because I want the power to tow or go wheeling, without the weight of a Cummins motor up front. You can probably make a fresh 360 for $2500 or less with some careful shopping. If it is just a part time cruiser with occasional towing, the 360 will be more than enough. Changing the gears to match projected tire size and desired running rpm will make a huge difference also... and be cheaper than a big engine build.

 

I already have 4.56s and 35s ! Just want a fresh motor!

 

Good combination.
If you go to my 408 build post, on the last page is a link to what I have in it with part numbers and such. It might give you some ideas on what to do for a freshening of your motor... or at least give you some part numbers to search and find better prices on than I did.

 

Asking this question is a loaded question in itself. You can go all out and spend $7,000 + if you want. You can also spend less if you are fugal about it. If you're going to rebuild your 360 anyhow the added cost is really only the custom crank and rods. You're going to need new pistons, cam, heads, gasket kit & all the little stuff. You can run the kegger as your intake but you're better off to get a M1 or AirGap intake. Price that stuff out and see what you can build it for. You can find a stroker kit for under $2,000 and since you're not looking to make tons of power you could go with a cast crank which can put you into the $1,500 price range if you look around. You can even find kits on Ebay so shop around.