273ci thoughts?

It all really depends on your budget. Nothing wrong with a 273 for a cruiser, but probably cheaper/easier to do a 318/360.
You're right but if you want cheaper drive a ford or Chev .
273 already has the best flowing small port heads as cast. I'd take a 273 over a 318 any day, just get a small solid cam and be done. Nothing to change or get. 318 2 barrels don't make anywhere near what a 273 Commando or Charger makes. They are down about 50 HP.
yes my father had a 68 gt 273 4 bbl it would smoke the tires with ease , it was much stronger than the 1972 318 in the Dart he replaced it with .