adjusting oil pressure

Take the oil pump off and disassemble it to make sure there's no debris in or burrs on the relief valve. It should not have anywhere near that at idle, even with tight new bearing clearances and an HV pump. You should have around 40psi at idle with an HV pump, and around 85 above 2500. With a standard pump (which is what should be on it if it's a rebuilt fresh 440) with the HP spring it should have around 15-20psi at idle, with 75psi above 3000. You're using a TON of power to turn the pump when there's that much pressure.

On the valve covers, instead of using RTV, use 3M weatherstrip adhesive to glue them to the covers. It is oil proof and holds much tighter in about 2 minutes.