Why all the hype about horse power and torque?

[396C-10]

So I find myself looking for the correct carburetor combination for my 67 C-10 with a bone stock built 396/402 engine. When I web search for the correct carburetor to run, all I get is horse power, 1/4 mile E/T times, pro street mods and what is hot on the market.
What about dependable, smooth, quiet and economical daily drivers? I don't care about horse power, I want it to start when I turn the key, I want it to run like a sewing machine, and I want it nice and quiet.
It is irritating to think we are all on the drag strip every weekend having pissing matches about who can tear up their trucks in the least amount of time.
Ending on this note, has anyone found a good carburetor combination for their big block sewing machine?