Newbie (sort of) needs some ideas...

Hi guys, I know a lot about how engines work but have little to no experience with the slants other than removing them. However, I have this '65 Barracuda I've gotten attached to with an anemic 170 (not original... had a 225 from what I understand) and a bad rocker (has a fun sowing machine tick...lol) I have all the parts to swap a V8. but I'm thinking being the lazy type, sticking a warmed up 225 in it might be fun and easier. So, what I need ideas on is years of shortblocks, years/castings for head possibilities, etc. I would keep the '65 only 904 so I'd prefer to start with a '65 or earlier shortblock with the small crank hub. So lets discuss... Final package will have a small 4bbl, with mildly ported head and headers, some sort of cam..lol. So toss out ideas and please tell me WHY certain parts are better or worse...