Need some advice on choosing an engine

Okay, I am just in the planning stages of this build, so nothing is etched in stone. Here's what I think I'm going to do, and I'm looking for opinions, suggestions and instruction from those who have already been to the movie. Might as well learn from the experts, right?

This will be my first MOPAR build in over 20 years. The car is a 1967 Valiant 100 two-door post. It's an Arizona car, fairly straight and rust free. Currently has a slant six and somebody's four speed. (Was a column shift car) I want to build a fun street/strip car that has a lot of torque, and will run in the 10's. The car won't see more than 1000 miles a year, but could be taken to the dragstrip and bracket raced fairly regularly. Consistent performance is important. No plans to drive the car anywhere other than the track and local car shows.

My initial plans are:
Completely strip the chassis of all the OEM running gear and suspension.
Install new AlterKtion front end, with coil-overs, rack and pinion box, Wilwood brakes, eliminate the torsion bars.
The rear suspension will be a Reilly Motorsports four-link coil-over setup with a narrowed Dana 60 or 9" and disc brakes.
Weld in frame connectors and torque boxes.
Mini tubs.
29.5x15 rear tire
4:10 gear
Automatic trans with transbrake. (suggestions welcome. 904, 727, or ??)
Line Loc.
Now here is the part I can't decide on... what motor?
Budget for the motor and trans is around 15 grand. Would love a 6-71 sticking out of the hood, but not sure I can afford it. So....
440?
Stroked 360 (408) ?
Gen 3 Hemi?
Max Wedge?
Looking for 500+ ft.lbs torque and lots of low RPM grunt so not too keen on a small block, but willing to listen to the experts.

Whaddya think?

Garry