My last 440, about 4 years ago, totalled close enough to $10K as to make no difference. It was quite stout and everything was done right. Zero problems.
Stealth heads, Perf RPM intake, both ported, springs upgraded, beautiful valve job, solid Engle FT cam, Johnson lifters, Smith pushrods, perfected LY rods, Icon pistons, hand-fitted quality rings, Milodon pan & tray, alum water pump & housing, MSD, re-curved MP dist, forged OEM crank, ARP fasteners, Hedman headers. Already had the carb. Included break-in on a stand.
Quality parts haven't become any cheaper, nor has talented labor.

Years go, I had a stock 383 rebuild done, think it was maybe $5K, and that motor had numerous problems; had the top end back off later, and eventually it had a short life. False economy.