Very good point about changing the front end and brake components to lighter stuff. What front spindle does a c body use in those years? IIRC the rotor is thicker than a b body.
I agree that building a better/bigger short block should be on the list. If you played your cards right and bought parts off season, took advantage of sales etc. you can screw together a 15-20k engine for 10-12k. That would be starting from scratch; new water pump housing etc. You could save a few thousand reusing some of the 440 parts if needed. Whatever you do it will need a decent fuel system so maybe think of starting there.
Experiment with lash settings Converter - I would think there are some local members that could help you out there. Is that a J converter? Fuel system Nitrous Kit New engine on the cheap (accomplished by way of 50% off sales, PB&J for lunch in 2022, and brewing your own beer)
