A lot of guys, will tell you to go for the bigger motor. Nothing wrong with that. I too am in this position. Build the 383 in the car or spend a bit more and get 57 more cubic inches instantly. What I would really like to know is the general performace gain between the two when you compare a similar performace build up. Cam change, good machine work, decent carb (non stroker) what is the real HP difference...50hp?? Is it worth the extra couple hundred bucks for the block, but need all the little parts you need to purchase because the two motors are slightly different. Lets just say on a basic build up, it might cost you an average of $500 difference between the two. You would think with price difference you could take the extra money and put it into the 383 and make up the difference. Not sure. Bet others have opinions on this. I will say, that most people looking to buy a car would be happy to hear it has a 440 in it. But I wouldn't frown if it had a 383 in it either.