My '57 Bel Air had a 283 with dual 4 barrel carbs and Duntov cam rated at 270 H.P. Brand new 4 days from assembly turned 100 mph and 14.05 e.t. at the drags. That is about as much as any 350, except high horsepower engines, will do. How much performance do you want, very few new cars will beat that today. Also note that due to the smaller displacement the 283 will deliver better gas mileage.