what to do with my 273

Hey there!
As far as your motor goes, if im not mistaken, the 273 is basically a 318 with a shorter-stroke crank. Going off this assumption (BJR, you seem to be one of the resident gurus around here so correct me if im wrong), if youre really set on making power without an engine swap (which I think is pretty cool btw), you COULD swap in that stroker crank that MP sells for the 318 (basically a 318 crank with the same stroke a 360 crank). There shouldnt be any more block clearancing involved than there is for the 318 & youll make a lot more power without having to run an exotic cam/head. From there, id go with a set of ported 318 heads with the bigger valves. a match-ported Edlebrock Performer intake (I also recommend having the intake runners on the manifold port-matched to each other for equal air velocity as well), top that off with a 700cfm or so vacuum secondary carb, maybe a stock hi po 340 cam or a nice roller (maybe a Comp Cams xteme energy stick) so you can a nice smooth idle (can you say, SLEEPER!) with a converter to match, a good set of long tube headers (NO shorties!) matched up with a good free flowing exhaust. I recommend AT LEAST a dual 2-1/2" set up with a good X pipe (NOT an H pipe, trust me) & a pair of 2 or 3-chamber Flowmasters (depending on how much you wanna advertise. Then, of course, top yer motor off with yer "273 Commando" air cleaner & valve covers & youll have a nice little sleeper there!

A quick note on trannys, I DEFINITELY recommend swapping in a low gearset like Bill P recommended. I did the same on a Duster I used to have & it really made a difference off the line. Plus the torque youll be getting from this motor set up will carry you through the bigger swing between 1st/2nd absolutely NO problems.

For the rear end, 3.55 Sure Grip. nuff said there. Combo that with a set of Cal Trac bars & youll be all smiles as you SMOKE 99% of all the local 5.0s, Camaros & rice burners @ the stop light 500. Plus youll be doing it with 1/4 of the noise & a dead-smooth idle. (imho anyway!)