W2 Heads for a 340 Block...

I don't get it, you want a stroker engine, you want W2 heads==yet you don't want more than 500 hp ?

You can get over 400 hp easily from a high revving 340 with W2 heads.

The sound has to do with mufflers more so than just HP, there are lots of very loud-weak power cars. There are $100,000 BMW's with V10's making over 500 HP yet can pass the strictest noise laws.

Like ou812 said, the converter can make all the difference, a good 8 inch converter can do wonders for the launch yet is streetable.

Personally I would go with an all forged 340 with those W2 heads, figure built right a 7,500 red line should be safe and a bast with the right gears and converter