Gear suggestions please

Okay I've decided to start to piece together a new rear end to replace the 7 1/4 w/ 2.76 gears that I've got in my '73 swinger. i'm hoping a few folks who've been through this or have some knowledge on complimentary set up can chime in.

I've got a 318 w/ 904
302 heads w/ 188.160 valves, bowl blended & gasket matched
comp cam (xe268 )
dual exhaust w/ x-pipe
holley 600 vac sec
235-60-14 rear tires (25" tall)
2000RPM stall

I'm picking up an 8.25 rear housing this weekend & plan to start the search for a carrier (haven't decided if this cruiser build warrants sure grip or peg-leg) but have been going back & forth on the gear selection.

I have a relatively short tire & mild build but would still like to break the tires loose when I want to. I'm not building a car to take to the track, but if I decide to, I'd like to have gears that would make it fun.

I've waffled between 2.94/3.21/3.55. I want shorter than than the 2.76 I've got but would like to keep rpms around 3000 or so at 65 if possible. This is not my daily driver, solely a source of enjoyment.

Also I know we all would prefer a sure grip but for cruising & showing off will I really be missing it if I decide to use an open carrier? They are so much more friendly to my already bleeding wallet.