I second the small block. You could even build a stroker and have all the torque of a big block.
I would take advantage of what it is. Small car, light weight, shorter wheelbase. What you need is an RPM happy engine and cam selection, 3.55 gears, and an overdrive auto (46RE/700R4/4L60E....). The light weight of the car would do good with a stock stroke 340 or 318 (3.31 stroke) and a bigger piston (.060" 318). The key is head flow so top all that off with some cheap Speedmaster CNC heads. Use your military discount during the Speedmaster Holiday Sale at Summit for an additional 10%.
Also, in the State of Oklahoma you can get you a couple chickens or other livestock and apply for an agriculture tax exemption. You will get a tax exemption ID and # you can use anywhere that you can buy anything for your Agriculture needs. For example, food, auto parts, lumber, plumbing, John Deere tractors, ... I have mine on file with Summit, Rock Auto, Lowe's, Oreilly, Harbor Freight, Home Depot, and many more..... By law a retailer has to accept your tax exemption if it is "for your farm". No tax, ever. Toilets, nails, oil filters, grinding discs, tool boxes, jeans...... I can even go to the Ag store and buy non-taxed diesel in bulk (farm use only!). Apply at your county tax assessor's office or there is a OK.gov website you can apply at online. Remember though, all the purchases have to benefit your agriculture "operation".
So, ..... get some chickens! Or if you can get 100% DAV you get tax exempt for all purchases on more things than the Agriculture exemption.