4-bangers without A/C got 1-core radiators
4-bangers w/ A/C and 5.0's got 2-cores
The hard parts done. I would worry less about modding the motor and more about getting everything else up to snuff in terms of drivetrain, rear end, brakes and so on.
Keep your eye open for a good deal on a 302 or 351. Get one, toss it on a stand and build it to the hilt. Then switch motors and you are all set to go.
Can prob snag a good 302 HO out of a Mark 7 around here for 200-300. Hell, even town cars and thunderbirds have the same bottom end.