Your thoughts on intake/exhaust choices ??

Get a header.
The cam is small. My slant was done revving by around 4800 rpm with the MP .460 lift 260 duration, cruised the freeway at 32-3400 rpm with 3.55 gears going about 70-75 mph...cranked about 150 psi.

I would aim for 7.8-8.1 dynamic/cranking.
The static can be low..but you dont want the dynamic to be low if you want good torque/response everywhere.
It just sounds like the small cam is a hair too small and the compression is soft.
Though you you say you rattled the rod bearings out of it... I wish I knew you better..I'd have told you to just pull the pan and change the rod bearing, oil n filter and get back on the road after dialing your timing curve. The slants I had...had a really loooong curve...I had took the springs out for mr.gasket ones I remember...holley 350 2 brl was the best carb to drive and travel.
Header or lack of... is a big issue with caming these. Need one. People change valves and grind away... the ratios get all boogered...thing could choking on its own **** .lol