I didn't realize the op had a 440, I think I'd just stick that 318 in the corner and go with the 440.
A stock 440 will make more power than any 318 he's gonna build. No need for high stall convertors or steep rear gears.
that's the whole crux of the situation. he'll need 2K plus to shoehorn in the 440 vs [insert amount under 2K] to rattle bomb rebuild the 318 and be rolling around.
then gather up the bits n' bobs to make the chonk block happen at [insert later date and time].