You are correct the 4500 is a great transmission for off-road with a 5.61 first gear. Not so great for a muscle car.
On the other hand the 3500 is a better match. The light duty version has a 3.49 first gear. In my view not ideal, but with a 3.23 or 3.55 rear end gear probably a good street transmission.
Regards,
Joe Dokes