lift doesn't necessarily have to be provided by the lobe. rocker ratios are a good tool to look at. i'm with you on short duration. i've used the comp cams magnum replacement at 700ft sea level and thought it was too short for a 440, but may be ok for 6000+ altitude. i used a summit 6400 in a 9+:1 383 at 700ft altitude and was surprised at how nice it ran. i wouldn't do an aggressive lobe for what your building. they can be more misery than fun.

i like those old fin cars. learned how to drive in a '57 plymouth, my first car was a '58 plymouth. got any oic's?