Speaking of proven combinations, the gearing and torque converter you are starting with is going to put a high load on that engine at idle and coming off idle. The engine combo you posted is relatively weak at idle and low rpms. Getting the fueling and timing such that it will actually pull the load effectively will be very difficult. The quicker you want to load it (open the throttle) the more load it will see. That's why an engine with a cam like that is usually paired with a looser converter.
