I'm not saying that this conversion is the right solution for you, Vic...but Bill, don't knock the OHC-6! This engine has earned my true respect as my Le Mans did some serious pavement pounding at the Dream Cruise this year and a lot of pleasant (and economical) cruising all summer.

A Pontiac 350 would be a bolt-in replacement and would give better fuel economy than what you are getting now.

You don't need more than a 3.23 gear for all around driving. Mine is considerably milder and yet returns good performance.