Based on my own experience, you want to keep your rev's in the 2000 / 2200 range to be able to cruise at 65 without being too loud, I am running a Chevy 327 with a TH 350 trans, and 3:42 rear gear, and 17" wheels. At 65 mph, I am turning close to 3000 rpm.
If you want to go with the 283, I would use a Transmission with an overdrive ( 700r4, 4L60e ), along with a rear end gear swap. Definitely won't be doing much drag racing, but should cruise OK.
