The .28 would have a lot more bottom end. It would be more brutal on the Drivetrain. The GOOD news, is the Savage drivetrain only has a couple weak spots. I would suggest getting the Heavy Duty Drive cups Front and rear (The stock engine will round out the standard ones), The Heavy Duty Driveshafts, and be sure to do the 4 spider mod to the diffs. If Shinner isn't asking too much, a Back-up set of diffs may not be a bad idea. The diffs will still wear with the 4 spider mod, and having a backup set could save you a trip to the hobby shop.