This guy doesn't want a race engine, I don't think. He's saying he can't afford much - we're telling him about 15-thousand dollar motors.
I think a rebuilt 440 with some minor part improvements will put you precisely where you want to be and be somewhere between, what, say 6 to 7 thousand bucks? That's with porting on the heads, basic machine work on the block, all new gaskets and rings, maybe new pistons, new cam, and a purdy paint job.
Jeff
6-7k? Depends on where you live I guess and who you go to. I found a guy in Melbourne, FL who will start with my block, nothing else and set me up for around 4k....that includes the 499 Eagle Stroker Kit, cam, intake, carb(s), distrib, etc.....enough to put it on a dyno and let 'er rip.
Whatever you do, don't rush to find a place. It took me 3 different shops to find the one I could trust the most and who understood what I was looking for. Be patient.....it will pay off.