A coil over setup needs shock tower re-enforcement or shock towers tied into a cage for durability. The OE shock setup was not made for spring loads and will crack/fail if not beefed.

T bars and a 400 based engine work fine in an E. For your goals suggest you stick with OE style suspension and spend time and money making it really nice. Upgrade shocks, T bars and sway bars and it can work quite well.