So I found a 440BB

The big block 727 core might be worth $100, especially if it is a long tailshaft version and has things like the dust shield, dipstick tube and throttle valve linkage. I have found that big block 727 cores are getting harder to find then big blocks themselves.....

Offer $100 for the 440 / 727 and take your chances?
The 440 was pulled out a 70s Plymouth (land yacht, at least that's what he said, not a motor home) and it was complete and I did notice that the tail housing had a big balancer type thing attached to it. This is an older guy that seems to know his engines??

treblig