building a long distance touring car

I'm building a 1970 Dart specifically to use for long distance touring, like taking 101 down the coast to Rt66 across to Chicago then hitting the Nats and Chryslers at Carlisle and then doing it in reverse the next year. I'm trying to figure out the best small block to use in front of a 4 speed overdrive automatic. I'd like to get some decent gas mileage (20-24?) but don't want it to be a dog either (the low 1st gear in the trans will help). So throw out your thoughts, please! I've considered everything from a crate 408 to a 273 power pack style motor.

Since my Dart goes on long trips on occasion I'll throw my combo out there.
Stock bottom end 5.9 with a 214/224-.512 lift cam on a 110 lobe center.
Edelbrock 600 cfm on an aluminum dual plane intake.
1-5/8 long tube headers
Thermostat controlled electric fan
42RH OD trans with a stage 2 shift kit
HEI ignition and vacuum advance used.
273 gears currently
25 mpg at 80mph on the hiway running high 14's/low 15's AFR at 2,100 RPM's