Donor for simplicity...

[MikeB]

Go for a sierra then you wont have to change the book design.
Try and get a pinto to save £s but these are getting rarer.
Most of the other sierra engines aren't worth using.

My view is get any sierra that you can get your hands on cheap.
As long as the gearbox and diff are good.

Then get a small zetec if insurance is a problem.
You can then upgrade to a bigger one without any drama later.
Plus they are dirt cheap engines!

Mike
PS Good Luck!