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

rumblefish360 said

The real question is, why can’t it be done with a 318 or 273?

Probably because not only is the “Bigger is better” saying so prevalent but you have dozens of members dumb crap like;

Why bother!
I would never!
Boat anchor engine
Strictly a passenger engine
Turd engine
You HAVE to spin it to the MOON for it to MAKE POWER!
Waste of money - time - effort

And much much more….

Click to expand...

Mostly valid argument. I can build a 500hp 400cu in Chevy for a LOT less money than a 500hp 283, and make 100ft lbs more torque and run less rpm, less gear, and probably be faster.
The same situation exists in the Mopar world. Is there a good reason, (other than maybe a stock/superstock eliminator car) to build a 273 to 500hp (or any other number) instead of a 360/408?