273 Commando Engine Build

I am hopefully about to be purchasing a 273 Commando engine that I plan on installing into a 65 Barracuda Formula S. I plan on doing a complete restoration on the Formula S, but I want to do some engine upgrades to the Commando engine such as Cam, Heads, Intake.

I know alot of people are going to recommend just put a 318 or 360 and I know that is the quick and easy way to go, but I do not care that much about big power since I already own a built 360 powered 65 Cuda. I want to do a more factory look and feel.

I am planning on taking the block and getting it bored .30 over and keeping the factory crank and rods. I will be purchasing a new set of commando pistons from Egge. I want to keep the factory domed piston design if possible.

The cylinder heads could be kept as the factory set or I have a set of the 318 Fast Burn "302 Casting" heads. I am leaning towards getting bigger valves and doing a little port work on the 302 heads. If I was to install the 302 heads on the 273 block would that allow me to use any small block intake manifold? I know pre-66 intakes were a different angle for the intake bolts.

The intake manifold is still up for debate as I want to put a aluminum intake and remove any brand names cast into the aluminum and I will be painting it all red to kinda hide the intake at first glance. I am looking at intakes and trying to decided which intake will work best for my situation because I will be keeping the factory chrome air cleaner and it sits pretty tall already on the factory intake. If anyone could measure the factory 4BL height for me I would appreciate it. Most of the modern intakes seem to be around 5in for intake height.

The oil pan will be factory, but I will be installing a windage tray and still deciding on oil pump (Factory, High Volume, or High Pressure). The ignition will be either factory dual point or Mopar Electronic (I will hide the orange box).

The camshaft is still being decided on, but I know its a big choice to get increased performance. I have a sweet spot in my heart for Isky Cams, but I am open to either brands.

I am wanting to get advice about the 273 build and information about the cylinder head swap and if that will open up more intake manifold options. Factory the engine is rated at 235hp, I would love to get 300-350hp out of the build.