HOW ABOUT A 1979 318 V-8 IN MY '73 SCAMP?

OK, I am going to be on a budget. I paid $2500.00 for the car, it runs and drives okay. SUPER DOGGY, it will barely pull itself from a standstill. Keep in mind I haven't done anything to it, just drove it home (about 50 miles!) It needs paint, some interior work, and for the "teenager in me" MORE POWER! I have done some research on giving my slant 6 more power, but it seems to me like the parts are more expensive than the V-8 parts? I am going to purchase a cherry picker and engine stand, but right now my garage is full. I want a daily driver that looks good from a distance, a show car is WAY over my budget. My goal is to have a '73 Scamp that I enjoy driving and gets looks because it's not that common here in SW Oklahoma! In the end, I really don't want to spend more than my original purchase price!? Does that help any?