I know budget means a lot, but, if you don't have a secondary metering block, buy the kit to put one on. Those metering plates are expensive and it wouldn't take many changes to get you in the cost area of the metering block kit.

That and a secondary spring kit will help a bunch in getting a good carb tune up on your 440.

The flex hose thing... I take the solid set ups, cut the line that runs to the rear bowl, insert a piece of hose. Works great and is low buck.