I'm a big block guy, all day long. But, my 62 Valiant doesn't lend itself to a BBM installation easily, so I was forced to build a 428 small block street engine 615HP, 540 TQ, and a 10.49 best without much tuning so far.
I've had plenty of 440s, built cheaper, that ran about the same NA.
The difference is, I can put two kits on the 440 and run 8's. Not gonna get there with the small block!!!!