Dave like I have said befor I havent yet got into the efi style engines but I have (2) 5.2 dakotas to use in the near future chassis and all.
now most of the cars I have done have been carbarated 318-440 and they have been very reliable cars and trucks.
probably the easiest way to go would be to go with a 360 with a 4bbl or 6 pack and use a 727 with a gearvendors OD unit and run a 3.23 8 3/4 and you should be able to get some pretty good mileage and have a good street cruiser.

also when I said use a fatman frontend I ment just the cross member, you can get less expencive A armes, spindles, big brakes and rack and pinion from ebay or locally.
a frontend should cost closer to $1,000 if you shop good.
I may go with a 5.7 hemi and 5 speed auto in the future if I can get a wireing harness at a reasonable price. Ron...