Don't tempt me! I've thought about stripping mine out, but have decided against temptation and will be going back to the ovals! I'm like you and would get frustrated with the lack of power available for sensible money.
My next track car looks likely to be a pug 306 and will be converted to rwd, not sure on the running gear as yet, I'll see what is available through my local club. Most likely vtec or red top depending upon budget. Still, the V8 always sounds nice and the crowd love the noise
But getting a bit long in the tooth these days.