Why not you can't take it with you. A little bowl work on the heads a Dwayne Porter hydraulic roller and a avs off a 440 and bet you can school a few 440's. Ram said on his engine masters thread the Johnson hi lift was a good reasonably priced lifter.
I agree with Brad on the 3.91 gear. My first Mopar was a RR with 4 speed and 3.91. Stock except dp4b edelbrock intake. It was quicker than most cars in my town.

Getting old just means you were smarter than some and luckier than others.