273 or NOT 273?

Talking to my builder this afternoon. He will let me know if I'm wasting my time or going to be that unique guy showing up at the cruise night. (with empty pockets)
i'd be way more impressed with a small block of any size that's got an old school paxton set up (a la 67 shelby) and some trick circle track hardware like a dry sump, remote power steering sump with a cog driven pump and custom bracketry that's not all bling and billet along with some really nice custom headers.

and it wouldn't even have to make beaucoup power either. just the visual alone and if the work was well executed would get my nod over a whole bucket full of other stuff.