Some opinions please

With that short tire even 3:23 gears will be buzzing at 80-85 mph. That's the lowest I'd go. In fact considering the light weight of the Valiant and torque of a 440 I'd probably try the 2.94's and see how they do first. I bet you'd be surprised.
Keeping close to the stock ride height and a 3"mini tub, how tall a tire could you stuff in there? spring relocate of coarse