Engine Swap for N/A Power

Horse Power said:

Thats what I was leaning towards, if I can find one. This wouldn't be done anytime soon, but it's never to early to begin. Would a Mark VIII engine support that kind of power without having to get into cams and such? The reason I was considering 3v is because it would be a heck of alot cheaper when it comes time to rebuild. Don't know about the chances of finding a low mileage 4v to hold me off until I can build it.

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I'm afraid none of them are going to get you comfortably into the 300-350rwhp range without swapping the cams. The Mark VIII engine is basically the same as the one used in the early Cobra's, with the exception of the Nodular Iron crankshaft and the Mark VIII specific intake and cams. Otherwise, pretty much everything else is the same. I'm not sure where you're getting the idea that that 3V is going to be cheaper when it comes time for rebuild. Parts for the 3V engines aren't any cheaper than the 4V ones and labor is going to be about the same and perhaps more since many companies will use its being a relatively "new" engine as an excuse to increase labor and/or parts costs. Besides, if you get one with decent mileage, you should need a rebuild for at least 150,000-200,000km. Perhaps more if you drive it with restraint most of the time.

Unless you're dead set against using a power adder, I'd really suggest leaning towards one to accomplish your goal. Low-300's won't be too difficult, or kill your budget, but getting into the 350rwhp range with any of these build ups isn't going to be easy, or cheap. Going with a blower or nitrous is still going to be your best bang for the buck at this levels, regardless of how you build the engine.