Stirring up a hornets nest

first thing to realize, IF you want more "pep" change out the gears/ it will multiply your torque and snap, but of course, will affect mileage! sounds like to me the 273 will be all you personally need. IF a rebuild is in the cards, sure that are lots of arguments to build a 360.
i'm no racer. never had a wish to build a car just to tear it up and have to rebuild it again, work and $$$$$....... and then ya always want to go faster!! speed costs $$$$$! more work and more $$$$! ha