440 what am I missing here?

I guess it just depends on how “mild” it can be....... and still have it remain interesting for the owner.
The 274 is going to be pretty tame.

If the owner is up for some headers, I think there would be quite a few cam choices that would make sense that are in between the TF cam, and something as small as the 274....... and between the headers, the dual plane intake, and still using a suitable cam....... the motor would be mild enough to live with, and rowdy enough to be interesting.