I think I remember the magazine article on that Chevy/Sprite. Awsome car but, as you say, it probably ruined the handling and balance especially with the short wheelbase. Great in a straight line though.
My goal with the MGA is to keep it looking relatively stock and not to damage it's inherent good handling properties. By keeping the engine/tranny weight as close to original, and not going overboard on the power, I hope I can achieve that. I know that goes against the grain of many of the members of this site who believe that 700 cu. inches and up is the only way to go.
Not that I have anything against that; just not with this car.
I should be able to pull close to 200 HP out of this engine which is actually more than the stock power of the 260 Ford V8 in the Sunbeam Tiger I used to own.....and that was a fantastic vehicle to drive.