I say go with what you know and build a stroker small block. Starting over with a new engine family is starting from scratch in mopar world.
Pencil out the total cost of the biggest small block shortblock you can build and the cost of the 440/727 you need to come up with just to start.
The converter cost is the same as is shift kit and overhaul kit. Headers, manifolds, heads etc. you probably have plenty of small block parts if you have been racing for 30 years that you don't have for a big block.
Just like me racing small blocks, I would have to go all new parts because I have only big block parts.
400hp is no problem, 500+ hp with careful horse trading is doable.
If 500 hp doesn't get you to the tens who gives a rat's butt. It will give you a thirsty street motor that you won't be happy with.
All this talk of numbers to run and street driving to the track something is forgotten, just how dirty and nasty these motors are.
