I built up a carbureted 408W with AFR 185 heads, 9.6:1 compression, and a Comp Cams XE262H cam. I built it for good midrange torque. There is some hesitation from off idle even with this mild of cam. Fuel mileage and power do not go hand in hand. There is a lot of technology in new cars to squeeze out fuel mileage and power that older engines simply do not have.

Hood clearance can be a real issue. I hear it is even worse with the fuel injection intakes. I put a 2" body lift on.

 

tobascom16, thanks for the iinput. 5.8 engine is almost ready to drop in. I just started to catch a cold, so I will have to install engine next week. My final intake system is: Lightning GT-40 lower intake manifold. Late Explorer upper plenum. This should fit under my hood. 1" body lift and pro-flow hood should help. Got a cold, so I'll continue on it next week.

 

"...Hood clearance can be a real issue. I hear it is even worse with the fuel injection intakes. I put a 2" body lift on."

"...I put a 2" body lift on."
not all ways needed, not always wise (tippy on the gradients…stay low!).
Check out the 'stangs for other low hood clearance solutions.

Love that 400M for the 'square motor' benefit (THE largest displacement sq motor) AND huge tq. McF down in Chesapeake, Va's got a nice 408 EB.
Didn't No there wuz a winsor too.
A Comp Cams 265 is goin in my 4.1L