318 complete combo suggestions...

Thanks - makes sense. I really appreciate everyone's input - more help than I expected and it's only been 12 hours!
I have watched people load up on horsepower and have a car they don't enjoy driving or can't take on the highway - or even worse, one that runs like a dog because they didn't do anything to the rear end or tranny. I just want it to all work together as a unit to get the most out of it.
Yes the guy who sold his 'cuda to my son did that.... He exchanged the stock 273 for a 408 stroker and said it ruined the car for uses like the family going out for ice cream and such.