Thanks for the reply.

Chrysler really saddled us with some poor engine architecture during the '70s, eh? It's like they thought low compression was the answer to everything.

To do what I want here is going to take some bucks. Have been looking at cams, heads, transmissions, gears etc. The current plan on paper is for Stealth heads, a different cam, a Passon 4 speed OD and maybe some steeper rear gears when the OD goes in. Possibly EFI down the road too.

The Passon unit has good gear splits, plus the OD, its exactly what I'm looking for. Stealth heads are just modern versions of the OE heads in aluminum but offer a pretty good option over sinking money into 40 year old boat anchors. I almost have to do it.

Never harbored the idea any of this would be cheap but if I can swing the initial cash hemorrhage it will be pretty awesome.