Drag Race Advice Needed

Thank you for the replies; I'm starting with a 489 8.75 because that's what I have for now. I'll move to the Dana as soon as I can after I get it built. I won't use a Trans Break until I do. The car will end up at about 3,000 pounds with the 440 and everything I've done. The 440, when built, should have about 525+ HP. Just using ported 902/906 heads for now, so building the bottom end right, and can improve the top end when I get the chassis all set up.

So what I'm hearing helped with some decisions. I'll go with the 727, and use a quality Trans shop to set me up. I'll use a quality ratchet shifter with a reverse valve body, and I'll go with 4:30 gears to start. I'm having to relearn all this stuff, and appreciate all of your experience and guidance.

If anyone has advice on a shifter, slick size, torque converter stall level, and any other thoughts, it would be taken as gospel for me right now. Thank you,