[mdross1]

I can cruise in 5th (.68) at 1500 rpms and not have a trailer hitch jerk. Hiway speed 70 to 80 I'm about 2000 rpms.

The only way to go for most of us.Have tried twice with peaky engines no doubt they are fun when used they way they were intended to be used but trying to chug around town or in stop and go they can be a real pain.
The very reason why I have been running big blocks since the early 70's.
Course I'm speaking for myself and other like minded enthusiasts.