My 2 1/2 cents buddy, I asked the same questions here about 2 years ago. I went with the 4" stroke in the 340 for a 416. Dam yeah I have a enough cam to go 6500 easy, still running iron heads, bigger valves, pretty much port work done, , small stem tall Chevy valves, srpring seats blah blah balh TTIs 3" exh, 2900 tight stall designed like a big block convertor a MVB 727 dana u-joints large flanges. Went all forged Crank, Ross Pistons, High end rods too. Air gap 800 AVS modified and even has an electric choke. I built it like I wanted to make it so if the bottom end ever needs to hold up to 600-650 hp it is there. I also did a lot of work in the oil system too.
I am not knocking the 372, it is a great combo but in my gut feeling is more a bracket car engine and will need to rev more to make the same HP but will most likely have less torque right. You want the killer 60 time get more inches.
Bottom line is that the engine has so much Bottom end even with a failry big solid lifter cam it rips the tires and breaks your neck with just 3.91s in my 64 Dart. I swear it feels like a big block that is radical. :-D I did many 8000 RPM 273s, 7k 318s, 340s etc. And yep all ran good, but man the inches are where it is at. I swear you think you could pull the house off the fondation with this beast!
Bottom line you decide, but I listened to Moper, Adam, Rumblefish and a few others.. OH make sure you do supension work and brakes, frame connecors etc. I went the hole 9 yards on the Dart. Next stop is paint.
OH and thank you guys for al lthe help and advice I am a very happy camper! :cheers:
GLAD I DID the 416! it is a monster for the street, best part you do not need to rev the heck out of it to tear the road up either. and PS it sounds like a big block too.
I love it! I think a 408 for the buck is the best motor a guy could build from a 360. When my truck is done she gets one next. it is a 78 3/4 ton. I will make a video and You Tube it soon. But listen un-corked it feels like a 3/8 drill bit in your brain.