I understand what you are saying. Just a guess but if the converter stalls at 2100or 2200 behind a 5.9 then I am guessing it will stall 2500-2600 behind the 440. With a lock up converter up to the task the extra stall will help get the beast moving, then be direct on lock up.

I actually have a gear vendors divorced unit that is a .78 ratio. It won't get me to the cruise rpms I want though without a gear change. I am probably going to be running it in addition to the 518 for gear splitting and double o/d. This would allow me to cruise level ground at 60 to 65 at about 1800 to 1900 rpm.

I already have an ultrabell to use to mate to the 440. I have been watchig for a 47rh for a core for internals like higher capacity drums and steel planets.