Opinions on spreadbore carburetors

Basically You're not overcoming anything, but You are crutching the fact that You're anticipating low intake vacuum & efficiency at relatively low RPMs, and yes small carb
primaries will help w/a stronger signal to the mains at part throttle. It won't help overall performance one bit, but it will enhance driveablity, a plus. What will help is an
appropriate torque converter that won't trap Your mill down in "Lazyland", as long as that's correct, it should rock. Also, depending on how "too big" it is, You should give
serious consideration to advancing the cam.
Agreed. And crutching is exactly what I was thinking. Getting the engine to not be as doggy on the bottom end until the rpm gets up into the cam range. The right converter and gears are a must still.