Miss you so much already buddy..lol
Think hard as to what you want to achieve with the car Long term as while you have that engine out you have many options available to,you,(forced induction,forging etc) which would normally be out of the question if the car was running well and your hand wasn't forced like it is now.
Sounds like you love the car and don't want to give up on her so take your time.
Is always going to be a tough decision what ever I decide.
End Goal? It's going to have to stay road legal as I'd miss you guys at meets too much But I feel like I want it to be a bit like 'the bitch' instead of a daily drive.
As much as I'd love a Forged Engine, It's pricey. And as Dan says, I don't want an unfinished project.
Lets say Engine/Forge = £10k.
That £10k Could be split across (£2/3k engine) Suspension, Bushes, Headers along with a lot of needed touch ups for the car.
Even with a stock DE engine, I can still go the FI route along the line, just have to play a safe BHP.
I've still got a fair bit of time to think things through, but I feel like the sensible option is to bring her back as she was. And go from there. It's not what I want, but it's what WILL happen as apposed to what MIGHT happen.