Stabbing both is a nightmare I found (440/727), after initial install I had to take just engine out for an issue. Putting engine only back in with trans still in car was super easy, wayyy easier than stabbing both. I was too scared to try from underneath as I do all of this by myself for the most part. Just finishing up my swap to 4 speed, the self inflicted punishment never ends.
For sure a small block is easier, but the 440 just looks so cool, gets the ooh/ahh at car shows, and has gobs of torque even with schumacher tri y's.
Speaking of which, the tri y's allow for very easy spark plug changes, probably easier than normal headers in a small block car.
Aluminum heads, intake, water pump housing and pump I would bet it is no heavier than how it came with an all iron 340.
