Ok, so I forgot about something super simple that will REALLY help me out on this project. Something I've been planning on for a LONG time (ever since I got the car in fact) and yet forgot about it when I started planning this hybrid project. Changing the differential ratio. Yes, I know, dumb, rookie mistake. I need to replace the rearend anyway...it's a weak, base-model version that wouldn't hold up to much torque anyway! Now my motor options are wide open again!
Go ahead if you must and laugh at me, I'm a grown man, I can take it!