I absolutely agree with you and Jason both here.
Put something on there that is easy to deal with, set it and drive the heck out of it.
600 is plenty for a driver 318.
I got my Edlebrock 600 electric choke out of the pick and pull for 40 bucks and it's been flawless on my 5.9 Daily driver now for 3-4 years.
They are also on craigslist for 100 bucks or less all day long.