73 Project help?

Looking too do a project. I am young so money is limited but I really want to get a 70-76 dart and make it a bada** budget daily driver/weekend warrior. And I was wondering if anyone could give me some useful information. I'd rather use a big block Mopar engine but anything will do considering I'm trying to stay in a budget. Most of the ones for sale near me are all 225s so I would have to swap anyway. I saw maybe one 318 but that's about it. So what engine would be a good and cheaper option? Also what trans? A stock 3-speed wont suit my tastes so I'm assuming there is a 4 speed that could work, or even possibly a 5? Regardless any help is appreciated in starting my nice little Dart project!

P.S. reason I said 73 project was because that was the one year with a 318 I saw, if any of you we're wondering.