440 oil level

The "1 qt over" ina big block means nothing. If it's got a tray in it the oil won;t get caught around the crank. Drainback is an issue with big and small blocks - I add drain holes in the valley and also enlarge/deburr what's there. It is possible to suck the pan dry - especially if you have the HV oil pump and like to race on the highway and don;t have any additional drains, but it takes a lot to do it and there's much more "myth" about it than reality. Keep it full to the line on anythign but a full race vehicle. A full race car can run less depending on the oil system. I know Stock Eliminator cars that run 3qts. At the end of the run the oil pan is basically empty so no windage. There is a lot of power in oil control.