273ci thoughts?

MoparLeo said

The part that has the biggest effect on HP is the cylinder head and because of the small bore, big valve heads will not work. The intakes would contact the block unless you grind relief notches in the deck. Keep the 273 what it is. Any 4 bbl 318, 360, 5.9, or 5.7 will far out perform the 273 and have unlimited parts available.

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Won't agree on the giving up on the 273, the reality is flow through the heads. When I first got the Barracuda I was at the local Chrysler Plymouth Dealer and they had a Petty Enterprises list of available motors and their specs. I remembered that there was little difference in horsepower between 273, 318, and 340. The only thing that changed was the rpm level they ran. Super Stock guys flow heads and carbs especially back in the day. That will give you a clue. Money is no object for them compared to most of us. They just have to live at that rpm. That is where the decisions are made. Valve train becomes critical. All the rest is adjusted to maximize 1/4 mile time. That is where the 273 becomes more costly, but it is the higher rpm that makes it great for me. In real life, the 1.88 J heads, early A body exhaust, manifolds and 7,000 rpm are as far as I will go on a 273 or any motor in my 66 Formula S. Since I'm running a small motor, I don't need as big a cam with those heads, so it is very streetable. And the top end is faster than I would run anymore, except in the midwest where you can see for miles. Nothing will perform any better until you go past what my 1.88 J heads will flow no matter how big your engine is. That was what "273" was trying to say, I believe. Hemi's are a totally different ball game for more reasons and should not be compared to wedge heads. I have run and still have 340's and 383's why would I stay with a 273??? I still have to laugh that you guys are still talking drag racing... You keep answering a question that was never asked...