What would it take to make 1.44 lbs-ft per cid ?

I’d say the first thing you want are really good heads for the application.
In your case, something like a ported EQ head would seem about right.

Then, I look at it as, the worse the induction/heads are, the higher the CR you’ll need, the hotter the cam, etc.

Fundamentally though, I would just use parts that make sense for what the intent of the vehicle is……and not get hung up on the numbers.