273 cam suggestions

use your intenals and stock solid rocker gear ("scollop rockers for lift weld redrill oil port " can tell you when youre older...) , double spring it as it will rev, molly -100' retainers, same push rods are ok, take it your 302 heads nice short curve/bowl port?
you say 8.5 compression so give some cam ideas, -streetable '107'-108 lobe sep. advance cam at least +4 to 6 degrees or more (as low comp, it will still rev")

get close but dont go over .498' lift unless you want to spend xtra $$$$ on a hole new valve geometry,
go for fast ramp on lift being solid, 50' duration intake 233 ex 239 your advertised go for 290 or less,
as for 904 get some one good with Tconvertors cut up a pulsar/skyline 3000rpm stall and put a full manual reverse valve body kit throuhg it,
all this and good maifold/carb will contort the wagon a bit... discs definately a luxury,

I', running 63 AP5 318 12.6 1/4mile, 318 head, 273 solids+internals, low compression 8.7 :cry:,.. 105 lobe sep :tonqe: (lumpy), 50'@242-249 under 288 advertise, +8 advance, 55 ad on ignition timing, runns on 91 otane, 3200stall 3.7 spool... small tyres hitting top track speed to quick @ 7000rpm+ (3.45 diff in work). very tourquey, street friendly , but very voilent accelertion for an old girl...

if you want even hotter for d 273 wagon go smaller lobe sep(106) advance cam +9 degrees, look at piston to valve clearance!!! as we do! with hotcam, quick ramps, if you havent put big valves in yet don't, change gear ratios, and get on to smokey uniquek? (cowboy that writes **** bout mods n carbs) you will have to mod d square bore carb a bit,

other than that one smokin safari adveture,

Chairs,
Hune