Which engine to build for my 68 project?

[bgyglfr]

I have a 68L coupe that I picked up a few years ago that I am planning to build this winter. The original engine is long gone and the car needs extensive body work. But I'm an optimist and we've been down that road before so we will forge ahead. My plans are to build a high level hot rod with all the fun stuff. The original color is burgundy so I think I will paint it to code. Instead of the original black interior I'm leaning toward tan/brown leather with some sort of sport seats. The idea is a bit of a classed up understated hot rod with almost a stock look.

The last couple years I have been collecting parts for a short strok 2.5 motor but I came across a 68 sporto motor that I could build into essentially a 2.3. I have the parts to build both motors. What would you do?

Build the most HP motor or use the 68 case and build a less powerful motor. The basic specs on the two motors:

2.5SS
77 7R case. Time certs. Basic mods.
66mm crank
90mm P&Cs. Roughly 9.5 compression
E or solex grind cam
2.7s heads

2.3SS
68 sporto case. No mods yet.
66mm crank
86mm pistons. 9.5 compression
E or solex cam
2.2T heads. No mods yet.

The reason for making my decision now. I will probably sell off the parts I don't plan to use.

[pors1968]

I would go 2.5 more torque longer life .

[bgyglfr]

That was my original plan. Just wondering if it's worth the compromise to build with a 68 case since the car is a 68 and how much different the two motors actually are. Forgot to mention. This car will be street driven for the most part with a few DEs a year.