[JustOne]

Backdarft has regional dealers for a reason, you may need them after the sale. I have heard nothing but positive remarks about Jay at Vintage, but since you are in Texas I would reach out to James Yale because he is relatively close to you in Houston. James will also be at the Texas Cobra Club spring meet in San Marcos the last weekend of March.
Engines- I have an FIA from Unique, with a 425 cu in Windsor; AFR 225 heads, custom cam, and Edelbrock Super Victor intake. I really like the sound of the motor and it is what you would expect in a small block car. That said, if I was doing my build today, I would go with with either 5.0 Coyote or (cough) a GM LS series motor. Both of these motors are much more efficient than the faithful windsor and has the potential to make as much or more power at the tires. Most of the 418 to 427 Ford small block strokers make between 410 and 475 rwhp, engine dyno on these is 530 to 600hp. Jay's 5.0 Coyote put down 420 to the tire from a motor that is only supposed to make 414 SAE net HP. You will need a taller gear for this smaller motor, but they love boost, get better fuel economy, can be inspected and is a factory proven unit. My opinion is that times are changing and we will see more modern power trains in these cars.

Justin