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

yes. For a true bracket racer, a gutted car with 4.56 gears, 3500 stall, and a 500 dollar motor is all that's needed. You can easily run 12's, be consistent, and never break parts. And if the motor has an issue, by another 200 dollar FBmarketplace magnum, throw the intake/carb/oil pan on it and keep truck'n.
I've seen all kind's of high dollar race cars put on the trailer by a stock or slightly modified car. lol