Steel shim head gaskets should put you right around 9.0 to 1.
Most older style ( non fast rate of lift) hydraulic cams should clear. Some newer designs will too..
I am putting a 440 together for a customer currently too.
His shortblock was built by the car's previous owner with .040 over 2266 pistons.
I will be putting it together either his Hughes Whiplash cam and RPM heads. Should be on the dyno for break in and tuning next week.
Keith