The first car I owned I did a v8 swap on, I was 17 I have been turning wrenches ever since. but yeah if I blow up the b234 then I will go with a ford small block, the way to do it is to use the edelbrock pro flo fuel injection system.
That takes care of your fuel and ignition systems put a msd box on it with a super coil and your done. the shorty headers and "H" pipe should be good to go.
Another thing to think about all explorer v8 and moutainer v8 302's have gt40 heads, now while they are still iron they are better than stock 302 heads.
those engines also have a unique camshaft
I have a wagon and would tub it and put a 4 link narrowed 9" under it with the 5 speed. probably top out about 180 1/4 mid 10's
just a thought