How about buying a second pig with a 2.73 or so in it. Then switch them out for your long drive, and switch again when you get home. Hi RPM drone will bother you on a long trip. @MrJLR
Thing is, I want to build this car one last time and stop most of the heavy work.....I've got a bad back and just can't see swapping rear ends and engines etc much more as I get older....