273 or NOT 273?

I think that a 408 would be a better choice over the 440.
You've never driven anything with a 440 in it imagine it with a 4.00 or 4.15" stroke. lol
I still think a 273 build would be a fun challenge if that's what the OP want's to do.
otherwise why set your sites so low when it comes to the wallet, I can build a 512 for the same cost as a 408.