How easy to get 500 horsepower w/ stock stroke 440?

If you have the means, I read that the FAST EFI setups are very versatile and intuitive to tune...similar results for the Edelbrock one, but I believe it may be a touch higher on teh price. Pretty much any one of the newer generation TBI style, self-learning systems will serve you well for your purpose I bet. One thing that hasn't made it into the conversation yet is maybe setting up for an OD transmission...that will go leaps and bounds for increasing your mile per gallon when cruising above about 35-40, depending on your axle ratio.

But, I'll echo a few others on here--if you build it using good parts, and correct methods you'll be rewarded by a strong running big block--regardless of the number it puts down.