what about a 413

you could get a set of hypereutectics from summit for a 413 for about 350. Not sure how that would compare to the 440 piston price. There is nothing wrong with the later 440 blocks from 75 on and in fact, some have proved that they are indeed thicker. wether that is 100 percent true is up for heated debate sometimes. Any big block in an A body if set up correctly is going to make it into a rocket. However a bit nose heavy unless some time and money is spent on lightening up the whole deal (hedders, aluminum intake, aluminum heads, manual gearbox etc. How about this idea, a 400 block with a 440 crank. Somewhat lighter and just a bit easier to fit. and it comes out to 452 cubic inches or thereabouts.