what rear gear to choose for road racing

You will nee to go buy a few more 489's, and still need some motor info.. a 2.90 may never ever fit any use other than bonneville, you may need a 3.90 as your shortest, you may need several centers, 3.90, 4.30, 4.56. . .and more

if he's aiming for the 150 mph range, seems to me the 2.90 (or thereabout) is pretty much the only option, unless that big block is gonna turn some serious revs.
Well, I guess it would still have to turn some serious revs...

but I agree there's no set answer to the question.