If you use the 440 rod it has the same rod ratio as a 440 plus revs quicker from less rotating mass and it's all in a shorter more ridged block giving you more room in the engine compartment.
block, rods, crank are all things that I have here on hand, with just bearings and pistons needing to be bought. Since my machinist has done this build before, on several occasions and knew exactly what to do, it'll be going to him. He is advising, since it'll be a street engines, that crossbolt mains may be a bit overkill, but added that the extra strength never really hurts and he'll do it if I want the added expense. Still thinking on that one, but since I had him quoting the job, figured I might as well get a quote for the whole thing and go from there.