I still don't have an asnwer from either party on either motor, so I guess a new engine to play with is still a ways away... either way, I still have this one that's fun, so I'm going to continue with that.
I placed my first order with my sponsor, Mishimoto, for a new intercooler, radiator overflow, some new (not cheap junk) T-bolt clamps, and some new silicone couplers as well as a few other things. So when that gets here I'll be removing the grill and bumper, removing the "placeholder" ebay stuff and mount the new goods in their place, and then adjusting everything accordingly. I'll also be likely removing the main grill in general and building some filler panels to direct air at the intercooler and radiator. It will look cool I think - more protruding and visible like Bill's Valiant. And then this will be the centerpiece:
http://www.mishimoto.com/mishimoto-universal-intercooler-small.html