building 273..or not

Stay small on the carb and intake and you will be happier. Electronic ignition and recurved dizzy(faster curve/less mech advance) make a huge difference.
I switched from 2.7x gears to 3.23's and really didn't notice any seat of the pants difference. Hope this helps

In hindsight, building a shortblock 318 with the KB399 flattop pistons would be better HP vs $$ but uhhh... less head gasket sealing area? Lol. Too bad those pistons weren't around ten years ago