408 vs. 440: Which Would You Choose?
Based on your description of what the end goal is, BIG block.
I have a banker friend that has a 440 Duster, had it since he was in high school. It is a very unassuming car. Quiet, runs like a scalded dog.
I have had several big block cars (never an A body) in the past and I have to agree, there is something very alluring about them. I have been lazily looking for a 440 to stick under the shelf for a future project.