I built AND tested my first 408 way back in 2003-2004. Mildly worked some J heads and put a healthy solid cam and 273 rockers on it with an Edelbrock Torker manifold. Made a mind numbing -LOL 465 HP @ a(warp speed) 5200 RPM 528 TQ @ 4300 RPM-felt big blockish for about a second or two on the street-and was not really any more fun or quicker-on the street than the 367 (381hp/417tq) that it replaced. The 360 was so much easier to hook up and revved like a chainsaw in comparison-don't get me wrong here the 367 could melt the tires at will. The 408 was very difficult to launch properly and it had a MOMENT of greatness and then it was over. Gonna stroke it? HEADS, HEADS, HEADS. Unless its for a boat or a tow truck but then I'm on the wrong forum.
The EngineMasters test is not a surprise whatsoever and everyone falls into the trap of TORQUE-TORQUE-TORQUE. Problem is the pendulum has swung way too far the other way. It's all about balance and without balance the driving experience is diminshed greatly. J.Rob
p.s. Don't go bigblock-refer back to balance statement, it applies in more ways than one.
