If you wanted a big block muscle car with a stick then you had to settle for a 383. I don't know if there was a limit to the rpms but my '69 RR came factory equipped with 4 speed and a 3.55 peformance axle package. Still have a copy of the build sheet. Besides the AC it had power windows, pdb, ps, am/fm, tinted glass, rear defogger, road wheels, fender turn signals, bucket seats, and hood perf. paint. And of course it was green. The intake manifold, heads, and 1/2 the AC system are still sitting out in the garage. The last owner didn't want them.

All these '68-'69 383-4v RR's and SBees with a/c (stick or auto) came with a slightly detuned 383 with a 10% lower compression ratio and a weaker cam). This was a 383 Commando engine even if some or all of them were badged or called Magnum or "road runner" engines. I never saw a factory documented 440-4v stick car with A/C. But saw a couple of them that "claimed" to be legit (ie undocumented).