Your favorite modern engine...

[05snopro440]

2014 Chevrolet Spark. It's a 1.4 L 4 banger. I was thinking of something like FalconVan is doing with the MoPar reverse trike he is building. Also FWD, of course, so the rear collision wouldn't easily damage the engne or trannie. I'm not a Chevrolet guy (MoPar man all the way, actually) - I was just looking for the smallest engine possible, to keep it as light and narrow as possible.

You would want the whole car for the wiring harness, I think.

Seems like a lot of work for an 80-ish HP engine. I think the larger ecotec engines have more aftermarket support too (and more power), maybe that might be another option?

I'm sure it's doable, if you want to put in all the work.