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It's a lot of vehicle with not much motor. Conceivably a larger motor would do just as well for mpg, but with a better reserve of torque, for the FE minded driver. This was a common dilemma in the 1960's about travel trailer towing. The advice was generally to go for the biggest motor and drive with a lighter foot. Because when it came time to work the vehicle (heavy trailer and grade ascents) the mpg penalty for a 440 over a 383 was minimal.
The alternative was to re-gear the 383 higher than normal factory choice axle ratios (3.23 for the sedans & wagons). 3.4 or 5 0r 6 was in the ballpark as 3.73 was getting too high, but it was about the only choice. The 440 produced more torque at a given rpm so it became the best choice for a 6-8k TT. The 383 could do it, but at 500-rpm higher which made it more temperamental.
Choose with care. Use an online calculator to see gear change effects. Lay out the stock ratio versus rpm & speed and then do the same with contemplated choices.
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