Need some advice on choosing an engine

Thank you both for the replies. I will take your suggestions into serious consideration. I will also try to find out more about the two cars mentioned.
I may be doing it "bass ackwards" but I always build the chassis first (based on my hp and tq goals, and what I'm going to do with the car) and then make final decisions on the engine. The reason I'm probably going to go with a new front suspension is because getting rid of the OEM steering box and the torsion bars makes the installation of any engine and headers much simpler. It also saves weight and allows me to run real brakes more readily.

Thanks again! Much appreciated.

Garry