[theicecreamman]

All right, cheap and easy then: Nissan VG30 or VG33 ( SOHC ), Nissan 300ZX 5 speed, Euro cams, keep it naturally aspirated with tall gears, Megasquirt, set of Injector Dynamic injectors in the stock size ( better spray pattern ), wideband O2, tune till it gets 40 mpg at light throttle or better. Add a J&S Safeguard knock controller and get the fuel and ignition to the edge.

One more and I'll stop: Vortec 2800 or 2900 4 cylinder Atlas motor out of a Colorado/Canyon pickup, 5 speed Tremec, stock truck intake manifold for maximum bottom end torque, stock cams, standalone EFI, tuned header, quiet exhaust. 180 or so hp and keeps it all in the family. Would be quick in a light car like that, with the cam timing and careful mapping it would mpg well too.