Should I go Big block or Small block?

Everything I am going to say is from someone who is trying to do their engine swap absolutely as cheaply as possible and over a period of time. I am also trying to get the most horsepower and torque as cheaply as possible.The other assumption is that when comparing both engines they both have iron heads and aluminum intakes. If $$$ is not an issue then read no further. I had a 440 duster and the exhaust situation (beside factory manifolds) was expensive and frigful. Shumaker headers fit well but are not designed for a radical 440, they are more suited for a mild torquey engine with great mid range hp and tq. Other header options are either fenderwell(hooker) or in chassis and big $$$. You can get a set of headers for a 360 for $125. In retrospect a stroked 400 would have been ideal as there is more clearance on the lower deck engine. If you want to keep your handling characteristics without having to spend on suspension upgrades go 360 as the added weight of the 440 changes the handling characteristics unless you get larger diameter torsion bars. If you are only interested in straight line performance then it's not an issue. You also have a weight and horsepower gain as the 904 has less weight and recriprocating mass you can also get by with a smaller diameter driveshaft. I know that upgrading the brakes is necessary even with a small block but you could "get by" with drums with a small block until you can afford to upgrade. SS springs or equivelant should be used if you get a 440, with a 360 you can clamp the springs until you can afford better springs. You are looking at larger more expensive tires to hold the 440, and in a dart unless you are running DOT slicks you will probably have to move the springs and/or cut some of the metal to gain enough unless you spend money on wheels with correct backspacing. Engine mounts from /6 to 440 are generally more expensive than /6 to 360. Trans-Dapt has a /6 to 360 for about $60. Shoemaker /6 to
440 are about $160. Unless you are lucky, the K frame. has to be ground for a shoemaker /6 to 440 kit With a 440 it is probably wise to have a torque strap(more$$).
Between the weight of the engine, drive shaft, transmission, and other smaller things you could be looking at 200 lbs difference between the 360 and 440 set up. 200 lbs difference equals about two tenths in the quarter. Don't forget about the great equalizer
NITROUS, for about $350 you can get an adjustable 100-150 kit, which will be good for a least a second.. Gotta go to work out of time but theres more!!!