393 stroker(windsor)

that depends on where you live. i wont hold your hand, i reserve that for women, but i will help as much as i can. you can email me if you like, just remember to put "stangnet engine build" in the subject line so i dont toss your email out with the rest of the junk.

I would not trust a local engine builder; I have seen some crappy work. As far as a short block, adjusting the valve train, getting the geometry right for the rocker contact, etc.. seems to be where alot of people fry their engine. Go for it all yourself or all by a pro. company with a warranty. They will not cover a short block failure if you screw up the valvetrain and cause a failure. The cost is about the same unless you already own alot of precision measuring tools.

Check your PM inbox I am willing to help with whatever I can.

I recommend that you buy this book:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/18...103-2421061-8549452?s=books&v=glance&n=283155
It has an excellent how-to for building a 357 claimer engine, which will not be far from what you build, except maybe the cam and head choice - they use Ford's NASCAR 10 degree iron heads which require some specialized valvetrain components. There is also a 347 build which will help you sort out what to look for when stroking a motor. I just finished a 331 build and the book was very helpful.

Buying the shop manual for your year car is also a good idea. It will have engine rebuild info and all of the torque specs. If you can find someone to look over your shoulder during certain critical aspects of the build, you can do it yourself. However, if you have a really competent performance/machine shop around, it won't cost you more to have them build the long block for you. As mentioned above, the cost is about the same after factoring in the tools you will need and some do-overs/mistakes, which is almost inevitable in your first build-up. The experience, however, will be a big plus going forward and outweighs, IMHO, the hassle of doing it yourself.

That 8" rearend will have to go.