Is the 383 a better engine, or does the 440 just have more displacement?

Not true, for pump gas a 383 piston is near deck hight while a 440 is down in the hole.

My HP 383, is absolute Zero Deck. Was well above static 10 to 1 with shaved 906 heads. I totally understand the cam has some influence for real compression #'s.

The 292/509/108LSA Purple for sure! But advanced 4 degrees and the cylinder pressure goes back up!

Before using some thicker Head Gaskets in 2014 to be able to run REC90 going forward, I had fuel buy issues!

Today all smiles and a REC90 diet!