Triumph Repair: 1978 engine replacement options, transmission drivetrain, salvage yard

Question
My mother recently gave me her 78 Spitfire. Excellent condition in/out except blown engine. I am having trouble finding replacement engines. I would like to install something new possibly from another manufacturer (Toyota/Honda). Are there affordable options and if so would I need to replace transmission/drivetrain? I would like to enhance durability and performance.

Answer
Hi Brad,
A different engine/trans can make a good car but you would need welding equipment and have a little fabricating skill as there are no "Bolt-in" swaps. The best way to start is remove the engine and trans. Then make a lot of measurements of the area and go to a salvage yard and start measuring possibles (rear wheel drive units) Engine and transmission. As it takes a lot more work to try to mate a different engine to a different brand transmission.
Howard