416 stroker from 340

[Deleanor]

I have done some calling around concerning my 340 project and the consensus is out. Everybody I talk to wants to sell me a stroker kit. They all claim 400+ relaible horsepower with room for tons more if I just add a couple high end parts. Has anyone in this forum ever done one of these stroker kits? what kind of experiences did you have or witness?

[MrPbody]

Deleanor, I've done a couple of the Mopes, and several of the Chevy and Ford small block/big cube combos. Avoid any kit that has a cast crank, whether it be cast iron OR cast steel. DO NOT confuse a good, forged steel crank with a cast steel, just because the word "steel" is used. ASK.
I use Mancini Racing for all my Mope-specific stuff. They have a tremendous line of goodies, and seem to know exactly what they're talking about. They have a website (manciniracing.com).
About 1/5 of the race engines we build are Mopes (most recent was a 495 CID from a 440, with iron heads, made just under 800 HP). I spoke to Eagle about the possibility of kits for them, like the Chevy, Pontiac and Fords. They say not until the volume comes up, so I would count them out. They do offer a great set of rods, but not much else.
Whatever you decide, make sure you have the strongest crank you can get (4340 steel is considered the best forging) and good pistons. KB or other brand X castings won't make it. Minimum should the Speed Pro (TRW) forging. Ross and JE are the best, but you PAY.

[PWMAN]

Well, I built a 408 (360 block) with a cast crank. But it was simply for torque/towing situations. It had an RV cam and 9:1 compression, only like 320 HP but almost 450 ft/lbs. But I agree for major hipo applications a forged crank should be used.

And yes a stroker is the way to go for small block power!