Do you know the brand or part number of the cam? If you really have 10.3:1, I'd think it wouldnt be that hard to set it up to run decently. But, a recent 440 I tore down has the short dome TRWs in it. They sit .070" down from the deck. So with the felpro blue gasket and open chambers, the true compression was like 9.8:1. So you may not have what you think you have. The pistons aside, have you done a cylinder pressure (basic compression) test? The testers are like $10 at any parts store, and the test is easy. You are looking for readings above 140psi, but below 185psi, with no varience of more than 10% among all eight holes. If you have 110 psi, that would indicate a too large a cam, too low a static ratio, a cam that's installed in the retarded position, or a mechanical problem in that hole (if the others are high).
Another good test is your idle vaccum level, both in Park, and in gear. (careful on that last one...lol) Lower than 5" and it will take a little tuning, higher than that, you should be able to have it idle fine at 800-900rpm, and again, it should be tuned. Sounds to me like perhaps there may be carb or timing or tuning issues holding you back. Not really the cam.
