Sounds good either way! You don’t need much power in a lightweight car like these though. I’ve only got a 1.6 MX5 NA engine in my Westie, and I certainly don’t find it lacking for road use – it’s all down to your personal preference though!
I’m a sucker for originality though. I found a company in Texas who builds crate 289’s but I’m scared to get a quote for shipping and the customs might just send me to an early grave !