Max,
Sounds like you are coming full circle and that is great. You've got the correct advisers here. Hopefully you can get a ride from someone to help solidify the choices.
I still think you would be extremely happy with the 4.6 3V setup. It is very economical and includes all the diagnostics to have any Ford Dealer or general repair shop simply plug in and know what is going on. The Hot Rod version of the 4.6 3V puts an impressive 350HP in stock form. You can add the s/c down the road and hold on.
You can be in a car with that powertrain for $41k with a number of the popular options.
Any more thoughts on paint scheme? I was thinking a matte black with gloss black super snake stripe down the middle would be insane. Powdercoat the wheels satin black and then black the pipes?
This is the Super Snake style stipe for reference:
