318 build #2 "cost minded" for the '74 Duster

2.94 gears can actually start to make up time as MPH vs RPM in the quarter.

That was my experience on the street with my poly 318 '66 Coronet racing against predominately gm 350 powered cars with the common 3.08 factory gear.
Not a lot of difference between 3.08 and 2.94, but I'd gain a little on the top end around 70-ish MPH.