I once met a guy on line that had a 544 with a small block Ford in it (V8) but he had it done by a pro stock builder friend of his and didn't know any paticulars. Looking at the pictures it looked like it belonged in there. I 'm the guy that had the Buick V6 automatic in the 444
Don't forget the rear end. I used a narrowed down Ford Ranger rear end. I cut the long side of the housing to accept a standard short rear axle and it fit just fine, then I heard that a S-10 rear end is already that wide to begin with. I never checked into it but it is worth checking out and also what gears are avavlible for each.
They seem to be recommending a P1800 front disk brake set up for converting the front over, after doing my conversion,YES ! You do need much better brakes in the front as you can over drive it real fast.
Good luck in your search,
Dennis