440 vs. stroker 408 build?

my intent is to refresh/rebuild, gonna go with a kit from summit, aprox. 700 bucks, hughes cam, and some 906's from aeroheads at worst. Can't do 1977 smog heads, I think it's against my religion or something. been thinking about eddies, 1300 bucks, to save weight, but rumblefish is right about the ol' wallet. t-bars aren't really that pricey, all things considered. but a 9.25:1 or so 440 with a muscle car cam will be a real nice thing to be in when you press the pedal on the right. It all comes down to TIME. That will be the primary factor for me, it will all happen in time.