to be honest, if i were gonna freshen one up, i would go with either a GM 2.2 4 banger, (stay away from the 2.5L, while there ok engines, there not that tough, HOT ROD wrote up a very nice article on them in 86, but unless you are using the "pontiac super duty" block, crank, rods, etc, i would stay away from it. the 2.2 is a MUCH better engine, and WAY more available.
another good choice/option is the 2.3 ford engine family (2.0,2.3,2.5) depending on how high/low tech you want to go.
for the record the 2.2 makes about 120HP/ 143ft/lbs factory, and the 2.5 makes AROUND the same.
