My first 440 build for my 74 Dart

I've built 2 440 darts. Both are street machines that can perform at the track if so desired but their primary use is to be reliable and fun on the street.

I would tell you to put yourself in the 10:1 or 10.5:1 range in regards to compression whether you are running iron or aluminum.

Stay the hell away from tunnel rams and dual carbs. KISS, go with an eddy performer RPM and a single 4 bbl in the 850 to 950 range with mechanical secondary's. Drop an HVH super sucker1" on top. It's worth 10-15hp and the same in torque.

In regards to the cam you want to be between 235 and 245 @.050 and have a 112-114LSA and I'd stick with solid lifters, a roller if you can afford it.

I've had my best luck with Harland sharp rockers.

Headers I'd run TTI but schumachers are ok too.

If you are going to go with iron heads (which I wouldn't drop a dime into) I would put as little money as possible in them and go towards the top end of my recommended duration range on the cam. If you go with aluminum heads I'd highly recommend eddy RPMs. They are a great head with lots of room to grow.

Hope that helps.