Ratty valiant shell + 440 ?

Princess Valiant said
Forget the 440, more like 408 stroker.

I used to be into big block A bodies but it's really expensive and not as awesome as the imagination would have you believe.

My next thing is to try a 360 based stroker

I tend to agree, stroke the 360 and avoid the adjustments to fit a big block into it. But if you're looking to open the hood and show off a big block, then you have your answer.