Thinking about doing this 440 build at some point -- opinions needed

That is an old build, you can improve on it by using Trick Flow heads and a Trick Flow intake manifold. I'd also ditch the carb and use a Holley Sniper with the Hyperspark distributor. Then you'll have self tuning EFI, computer controlled ignition, CNC ported heads, and a built in data logger all for roughly the same price as that build. If you add a 4.25 stroke crankshaft you'll pick up about 100 ft-lbs of torque for not too much more money.