expert help needed (my first post)

The 273 can be quick in a 67 Notchback. Where are you in NC? There are so many good machine shops in NC. The 4 speed thing is an expensive proposition. A 440 is tight in an A Body. What do you want to do with the car? I have my brothers 67 Fastback, 273 and 904 transmission, 3.23 gears that he got when he was 16. The body has 400,000 miles on it and the 273 has 300,000 miles on it. Is it a drag racer, no but it has cruised all day @ 100 mph across the upper midwest and been up to 140 mph, while getting about 20 mpg at sane speeds. A "67" 273 was as good as it gets, forged steel crank, solid lifter cam, about 9:1 compression, good closed chamber heads. Whatever you decide, I'd recommend a warm small block (any size), keeping it automatic and add a ratchet shifter. With a small block everything is cheaper and simpler.