Engine builder questions

Well I just received a message from a long time racer in SCCA CP and he informed me that it is not worth it using a 273 even if stroked. He claims even with the 300lb weight break it isn't worth it. The torque of a 318,340 or 360 stock stroke or stroker torque more than makes up for the weight penalty. Plus if you get your car down to below 3,000 you can add ballast weight anywhere in the car as long as the rear axle doesn't weigh more than 51% of the total weight of the car. Many mustangs run in this class and have 300 lbs of lead in the trunk and kick ***. I may just use the 360 on the engine stand that was going to go in the dart. We will see.

Thanks for all of the information guys.