Aux,
I'm seeing the failure of my ways; my mentoring has not paid off at all--you are just young, free-spirited individual who can't take advice from his wise elders. So here you go:
Actually, I think the turbo four would be a great track motor (as Randy pointed out) if you plan on keeping your car as a track only car you indicated in the past. If you plan on lightening the car up even more, the motor starts making sense.
HOWEVER, it cannot be denied that a SBC is the easiest and cheapest way out. It is cheap to add 100 hp to the engine, but taking 300 lbs off the car will be more difficult.
What I really think this all boils down to is simply this (pay attention):
You feel 'strange' having to shift a V8 at 5000 to 6000 rpm because you daily drive a 4 banger that redlines much higher than that. In other words the torque feels good, but the revs don't equate with what 'feels' right? Am I getting warm?
So, may I suggest an alternative:
1) Destroke an LT1 (as some others have suggested) to get maximum revs and a higher power band. You get your EFI and a V8!!
2) Build a 377 or a 350 (both destroked motors) with balanced & forged rotating assemblies for maximum revs.
3) Be a chump and just go with the SR motor!!
Either way, once I build the SECOND motor for my car (turbocharged V8) you will become road fodder for my intake at Thunderhill, regardless of the 4 banger you choose! lol
I'll help you in whatever you choose, Buddy. At least you have a car!!!
Davy