383 magnum versus 383 big block

qkcuda said
The beauty of the magnum is factory roller lifters and the ability to use a factory O/D transmission.

I think you answered your question right there.

I'm kicking myself with my truck for that reason alone, I went 460 (Ford) for displacement (low end torque) where a 408 Windsor (or Cleveland) would have given me an overdrive and roller cam options.