help with 273

The 273 is a "tight" motor. hard to explain, maybe it was the 3.2x rear I had in my car but it would just keep revving until I shifted the 904 manualy. I would keep the 273. EGGE sells 4bbl pistons (they are not flat-tops, they are 2 valve relief and the opposite side is raised a little) as wll as northern auto supply. The rods are stock 273/318 but make sure the rods you get replaced are full floaters. 340/360 4bbl rods are heavier and look beefier. 273/318 heads are the same. 302 heads are a nice upgrade. 65 was a break year as far as I have seen when it comes to funky heads. 64-early 65 have the odd angle 5/16 small intake bolt holes. An edelbrock Performer 318/360 can be ground to accept the early bolt hole angles, just use a good washer under the bolt. almost every 273 was solid if not all (last year may have gotten a hydro) and can be made hydro with LA lifters and the correct pushrods. The 273 lacks the bottom end torque that my friend dart4forty mentions, a steep rear, like a 3.55 or better wakes these little motors up and they rev nice so dont be afraid to show it 6+. Id keep it a cruiser. This is not the chassis to go fast easily in. Limited brakes, rear, exhaust, space in engine bay, header cost never point to these 64-66 cars as easy hotrods. Get yourself a 67 and up if you want off the shelf generic speed parts that fit.