The LS is a good engine, as is the Ford Modular. The Hemi? Well in my opinion it can go drop a valve seat.
It's all up to whoever is building the car, what they think is the best, and which brand they trust more.
The DOHC Ford is simply to wide to fit into a stock A body, I looked into it originally before settling on a 5.0 efi for my Duster.
I just don't see what's so bad about a different brand engine in Chrysler car? It's a double standard here anyway. If it was a Hemi in a '57 Bel Air or a T Bucket I bet no one here would criticize it.
I put my 5.0 and 4 speed in for less money than a 318 swap minus a transmission. Haven't had any issues with the engine or drivetrain since. Unlike the slant 6 that needed attention almost every weekend. I'm getting great mileage and it's as reliable as can be. The only trouble I have comes from Mopar guys who just want to argue about it.
People get so worked up over a hunk of metal. It's just a car, and usually someone else's for that matter. There are thousands of cookie cutter Darts, Dusters, Valiants, and Barracudas out there it doesn't hurt to cut one up and make it different. I put mine under the torch because it was nothing special, no one was going to really miss a non numbers matching slant six auto '74 Gold Duster. Now its no longer a Plymouth, nor a Ford, or Chevy. It is simply my car.
People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks, Rusty