340 to 416 stroker build need advice

Hughes has his own way of looking at things. A few things I might question (BTW, Dave doesn't take second opinions well, so be prepared if you go back to him...).

First, have your block sonic tested by a competant guy. Any cylinders that test thinner than .150" on the major thrust should be sleeved, or a new block found.

Second, any cast crank will take 600hp. MP (reboxed Scat), Scat, Eagle.. they all have the same quality and finishing. The Eagle is cheapest at $300 or so from anywhere. They should ALL be carefully measured for taper and corrected as necessary. As for forged, I use Callies Dragonslayers. I've never found one to be off at all in terms of dimension or taper, and they can handle 7-800hp.

Third, you don't need a girdle. Hughes produces and sells his own girdle, so he makes good money off every sale. Your money would be better spent on high quality 2-bolt caps than a girdle on a small block. You do need main studs in any event.

Fourth, in terms of rods, I wouldnt use the cheap I beams available. Some here do, I won't. I've used factory rods redone with good success for budget builds, and they will work to a realistic 500hp or so. If you want piece of mind, Eagle, Scat, and K1 all have H beams that would do fine. All rods should be cycled and checked regardless of who makes them.

Fifth, Iron Rams are a huge money maker for Hughes. He wants you to use them because they will make the power you want, and he gets a great markup. Look at his flow numbers. The 2.02 intake prepped Rams made 240 @.600. He doesnt list the LA version RPM out of the box flow number... but it's [email protected] too. But he makes less off them. The Magnum chamber is a little better than the RPM's. But I'd rather start at 240cfm w/aluminum, than be maxxed out at 240cfm in iron. Head material makes little difference on a buildup when you are starting with a blank sheet of paper. But aluminum is cheaper to port, lighter, and prettier.

Sixth, the compression ratio get's set by the piston choice and head choice, in conjuction with the camshaft choice. In order to determine those, we need to know a bit more about your intentions with this engine. Do you have power brakes? Do you plan to race it? How fast and what type of racing? What altitude does the car live in? Do you want to wrench on it or close the hood except for cleaning? What gearing in the rear?

Seventh, Demon carbs are not my thing. I've wrenched on 4, and every one had issues, even the 2 that I unboxed and installed. I use 870vacuum secondary Street Avenger Holleys with no issues.