Restoration woes

I just went through this with my 1967 Barracuda. It had the original 273 Commando but something was wrong with the block. I developed an oiling problem I never was able to find. I rebuilt that engine three times, first time I got 2,000 miles before a rod bearing was knocking. Second time 800 miles and a different rod bearing completely disintegrated, third time it broke the crank on the interstate, locked up and trashed the block.

Like you I wanted to keep it "somewhat" original. I bought two 273's only to find out later they were both junk, cracked main journals on one and three cracked sleeves on the other. I decided to find a 1967 318. I rebuilt it pretty much stock, put a Hughes cam in it along with the 273 4-BBL intake, carb and valve covers from the 273 and you can't even tell the difference......... until you step on the gas!!!