Ford 272 C.I. runs low 11's. Why do Mopar guys need 408's?

Yes and the guys over in the poly 318 group that spend more $$ on their builds, and they have even cast an improved 4 bbl intake for it and it costs some $$$.... they can make so me very respectable street power and they do it because they want to.
here's a 550 hp poly

Vintage Mopar Power! 550HP Chrysler Poly 318 V8 on the Dyno