Ford 408: big torque street power.
A torque-forward stroker combo built for real street pull — strong output with parts matched to work together. Use the spec sheet below to verify fitment, fuel, and converter goals.
408 is for torque and street pull — great in heavier builds or when you want effortless acceleration.
Read why 408 →Bore/stroke, balance, heads, cam, intake, carb, and operating notes — all in one clean flow.
View engine specs →Front sump setup, headers, stall range, and fuel matter. We’ll help confirm the right direction.
Confirm fitment →
Engine specifications
Everything a builder wants to verify — components, balance, and supporting setup notes.
Engine specs (hard parts)
- HP: 430
- TQ: 500
- Block: Seasoned OE roller block 1993–1997
- Bore/Stroke: 4.040 x 4.000
- Displacement: 408
- Crankshaft: Scat nodular iron internal balance
- Rods: Scat 4340 forged I beam with ARP 8740 bolts
- Pistons: Forged 10.1 compression
- Rings: Moly
- Camshaft: Hyd. Roller
- Cam Specs: 220/224 @50 .512in/.512ex 112LSA
- Timing Chain: Double roller
- Cylinder Heads: Dart Pro 1 aluminum 58cc/170cc 2.02/1.60
- Rocker Arms: Aluminum 1.6 roller rockers
- Oil Pan: Front sump
- Oil Pump: Melling high volume
- Balancer: Internal balance
- Flexplate/Flywheel: Internal balance 164 tooth
- Intake Manifold: Edelbrock Performer RPM dual plane #7181
- Distributor: Pro billet (upgraded melonite gear)
- Water Pump: Early RH inlet standard rotation
- Carburetor: Quick Fuel 780CFM vacuum secondary’s electric choke #HR-780
- Fuel Pump: Mechanical fuel pump
- Spark Plugs: Autolite #3923
- Spark Plug Wires: 8mm
Engine info (setup notes)
- Oil: Conventional / Non Synthetic 10W30
- Oil Filter: Wix or K&N per application
- Timing: 34–36 Degrees
- Spark Plug Gap: .035”
- Firing Order: 13726548
- Octane: 91+
- Stall Converter: 2200–2500
- Exhaust: 1 5/8 – 1 3/4 Headers
Warranty
Why a 408?
The 408 is chosen for torque. It’s the “pulls hard without trying” combo — great for street cars that want strong midrange and effortless acceleration without living at high RPM.
The “right” reason to pick a 408
- You want big torque and strong street pull.
- You’re building a heavier car/truck or want effortless acceleration.
- You want a stroker that feels fast everywhere — not just at the top end.
When you might prefer a different Ford engine
- 302: classic baseline small-block feel and simple street manners.
- 347 stroker: small-block packaging with a strong torque bump.
- 351W: bigger-cube Windsor foundation without going full stroker.
- 427 stroker: max effort combo when you want the biggest presence.
Ford 408 FAQ
Quick answers that help buyers commit with confidence.
Is this internally balanced?
What fuel should I run?
What stall converter is recommended?
What headers should I run?
What warranty is included?
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