ok thanks for all you input before.I have another question,

It sounds like i'll be happy with either 302 351 or 350.but what about the tranny that will go with the engine?

I was checking out on torque central and it sounds like the t5 trannies for a ford are a bit weak,blowing up relitivly easy,Is that just at the higher levels,ie insane,or are they kinda and won't hold the power of a mid level moded 302?

At first I'm going to keep the engine stock,but later I might start building it up,so would I regret going ford becouse of the tranny options?would chevy be anybetter?

Also I would like to go carbed becosue it would be simple,but all the cars are fi,so I can't just pull a motor,i'd have to convert it to a carb first,would it be worth it or should I look for a rebuilt carbed motor of ebay?
there is a shop in Detroit who have good reviews off ebay and they had a rebult chevy 350 making 260ish hp and 365 ftlbs of torque[this is from memory but I think it's close]and they wanted 1500.

If it would be better to take the engine from a donor what car would I want for a 302 and what for a chevy 350?

 

This is like asking 10 different people a single question. You would probally get 10 different answers. My only suggestion is to start buying magazines like engine masters and read up and decide for yourself. Also check forums like Fbody.com. Since you want to go carburated I really cant help you much. Go to a local drag race and ask the guys who brought cars about V8's for sale and who does a good job rebuilding them. If you have a single technical question I'll help if I can,but Im not going to edecuate you on the plus and minuses of each engine. Your best bet is to make a informed decision for yourself.