Big Block Hp Capability

I have looked at different year 440 blocks and I prefer the 75 and newer blocks. They are thicker between the crank and cam and also have the ribs on the outside of the block. They have bigger water ports in the deck and also have thicker mounting ears. I don't know about the nickel content between the years but I think the newer blocks are stronger mostly because of the extra meat between the crank and cam journals.