Ratty valiant shell + 440 ?

I always had people helping me with me cars...i want to build something myself and with 1 or 2 friend..but with a limited budget..no exotic parts , just having fun and learn.
Then it sounds like you would get the best results putting a stock small block in and get the car(s) running.

The second you say limited budget translates to a "big block" build sitting on big wooden blocks in the driveway for a decade