Update. I am noticing that when I crank the motor to start it, it sounds like the starter motor doesnt have that much strain on it. (very little compression)
The motor really runs well though, despite the slap-slap noise at WOT.

I just installed a new EBC clutch and said the hell with the noise and let it rip down my street, and the 440 sure is strong.

QUESTION: When installing the cam, (stock cam) do I need to position the compression release in any specific way, whatsoever? I just dropped the cam in, when I installed it. The motor did NOT make this noise for the first, 3-4 hours of break in.