Thinking of building a 8-9 weight fly rod and was wondering what size stripping guide you would recommend? Your thoughts on the running guides would also be appreciated. Given the larger diameter of 8 or 9 weight lines I want to able to ensure that the caster will be able to maximize distance in casting. This rod will see time in fresh water and perhaps some salt.

You want to use the smallest guides that will easily pass the line and any required connections. Are you going to use ringed or snake guides?

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#16 stripper. If you can get the discontinued Fuji TSVSG would be the best.
#3 runners on the #8 - #4 on the #9 ifyou are going with s/f guides.
If snakes - #3 on both.

Would use REC Recoils and also their tip-top for lightness.
Herb

I'm with Herb on the SVSG #16 guide. I like that Fuji guide and hate to see it discontinued. I like the REC Recoils and the Snake Brand Universal guides. They fit the blank so well and require less prep before wrapping.

I have built many (40-50) 9-91/2 foot 8-9 wt rods over the years. My choice would be a #12 striper followed by #10, #8, and then #8 single foot guides. All Fuji Sic. I have also used snake guides and they work well also for the running guides. A nice large tip/top will allow allow loops and knots to pass easily. I am now going out to practice with a rod as just discribed for the April 15th freshwater opening here in WA St.

There are loads of guide charts available out there. Check a few of them out & compare the results, you'll see what many are using with success. With time, you'll find what you prefer. I'm with Randolph on the tiptop, I like a larger one to allow bigger loops, etc to pass easily on heavier rods.