Big horsepower 318 builds

but with all the noted engine builders on this site, not one real path to get there.

You could have every guy on this site who plays around with motors come up with 1 or 2 plans for success in the quest for a 500hp 318....... but with no one taking those plans and following through with the proposed builds, it’s all just speculation.
There is no proof of concept.

Ported rpm heads(280-ish), victor intake with a bit of work, 12+:1, roller cam, 1-3/4 headers....... that would be how I attempted it.
Would I succeed? I think I would...... but without actually building it...... who knows.