(Newbe) 273 to a 340 and tremec 5speed swap.

Don't let the naysayers get you down.

I agree regarding the transmission swap. A lot of work into that. But the 340 is not a bad deal. But again if you're gonna flip it...I'm not sure it adds more than the 5k you'll put in it. In my opinion the easiest way to a solid flip engine is find a 5.2 or 5.9 to swap in.