Which SBM for the Mopar vehicle

(Am having trouble expressing the question, bare with me please)

When assessing a Mopar project


How do you decide what is sufficient?:

A body cars can be economical with 273/318’s and smaller, with enough acceleration to move in traffic as a daily driver, and with 340, 360 or stroked even faster. So anything seems to work with them, but what about when getting heavier?

But if you are starting with a clean slate rolling chassis

How much engine (torque & hp) would you want to have to safely drive in heavy traffic for:

Some of the B bodies (since size varies)

C bodies

FMJ bodies

Single cab truck -assuming potentially towing a vehicle once or twice

Or larger truck -(assuming potentially towing a vehicle once or twice)

Would you ever tow with a car?


Where I live there are SHORT ramps into a busy express way with semi’s driving 70-90 as you merge into traffic. And freeway crossings where semi’s are driving 60+ while you have to gauge, and sprint in front of them to cross the road.

How much engine size or <hp+torque> would you choose for those vehicles with a small block, and when would you guys switch to a larger engine?

I am not considering racing, just public driving including aggressive big city driving in traffic.

I realize there can be a multitude of purposes within daily driving or street, but create boundaries of what YOU would use any of those Mopar vehicles for.

I know this concept is a messy soup, but thanks anyways!! Your input (wisdom) is most appreciated !!
You have quite a wide range of vehicles, that could require require different powerbands and levels.

For a Daily Commuter car.

A car say < 3,200lbs can easily get up to speed quick enough to be a daily driver with 175<200hp.

I would like 200 < 275hp for 3,200 < 3,800lbs.

300 < 350hp 3,800 < 4,000lbs.

My 93' Dakota with 230hp was more than adequate to move its 3,800lbs in stock form for daily driving. Loved to cruise at 85<110mph with 3.55 gears.

Towing is more about tow vehicles weight, GCWR, Engine, gearing and hitch rating which determines towing capacity.

For people like me we are always looking for more.