440 problems/quenching?/advice needed

Lash and ignition timing will make more difference than the quench.
Don't get hung on the little things (quench, compression, etc) until you establish the big'uns (ignition timing, valve lash, cam advance).

Also do a compression test. Wet and dry. The cranking PSI will matter more than some 'ballpark' static compression ratio and also give you some insight into the condition of the engine.

Once those tasks are complete, and notes taken, THEN you can tune based on the little things.