Hi,
Don't know where you are located but a simpler approach may be to get a car from the UK ? The last minis sold in the UK (and Europe) had FI and catalysts so you could probably get a whole engine from one of those quite easily. A complete car would also get you the other bits and pieces you need, and also a front mounted radiator with an electric fan - much quieter. Engine would also be a 1275 and the gearbox would have longer gearing.
Find one with a Cooper Sportpack kit (wide arches, 13 inch wheels). From experience the body kit only made the car rot even faster so the remaining ones seem to drive to the scrapyard. The wheels are cool too.
You can blame my namesake (pictured on the left) for the easily rotting bodyshell. He designed the car with all its mud catching nooks and crannys. I used to curse him every time the back of my hand or my knuckles got sliced up under the bonnet of my Minis.
EDIT - Canada. Still, with the pound being in the toilet at the moment...