440 build for a tow rig/"muscle" truck?

LO23M8B said
As I haven't read the complete thread so don't hate me but if the $$$ are there stroke it. About 500 c.i. lots of torque and you'll need less gear. Better gas millage. Ben there done that.

Not a bad idea at all but, the $$$ isn't there lol. My "best-case scenario" plan was actually to find an already-rebuilt stock-ish 440 and just re-hone the cylinders with new pistons, put on the aluminum heads/cam/intake and send it. Now that I have a core which needs a full rebuild I'm going to spend money where necessary to have it machined right but I'm still looking to save money where possible.

Craig Burriss said
I’m interested in how this turns out. I have an ‘83 RamCharger that I want to put a big block and a manual trans in. This Lakewood bell housing fits the big blocks and numerous transmissions including the NV4500 and the one I want, the Tremec TR-4050.
It’s expensive, but it’s also really cool.
Lakewood 15335 Lakewood Safety Bellhousings | Summit Racing

Also, the TR-4050 would have to be the long input shaft model for this application

That is awesome but dang, almost $900 just for a bellhousing, I'm hoping to have an entire good-working rebuilt 727 for that kind of money. Manual trans would be the tits but swapping to anything besides an NP-435 is way outside my budget. And honestly I don't have the motivation to cut a hole in the floor for the shifter, swap pedal assemblies, figure out clutch linkage etc.