found a 2008 5.7 for a good price. is it good for a performance build or should I look for a newer model year?
There are Crap, Junk, I'll do you a favor I'll drive from my end of PA to yours to pay you what you paid....
Seriously, depending on what you want to do, it's your best starting point.
350-425 Hp is not that far away from a stock long block, a good crank,rods and pistons, 450 to about 550 is achievable with a set of worked stock heads. Eagle heads can get you to 600 NA.