Are you necessarily committed to running an American V8? The Range Rover, and others in that car line have a good-running V8 that is based on a small aluminum-block engine that Buick ran back in the 1960's. It's smaller, lighter weight, and probably more available on your side of the world than American iron, and it will have the V8 growl you're looking for without the size, weight, and fit problems that you will encounter with even a small block Chevy engine. I believe a manual transmission would be available for that engine, also.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!