I would go with a stroked 318 if you have a 318 or an inexpensive stroked 360. That way you don't have to worry about getting all the pulleys and accessories that go with a big block. Not to mention transmission connection issues???
Finding a complete big block with all the pulleys and accessories would not be easy (at least where I live). But if your buddy has one that you can have for a good price then it would make sense. Money wise the best and least expensive route would be stroked small block>>
What transmission connection issues are you talking about? A 440 with a 727 trans will bolt in same spot that a 318/904 did.
treblig