Engine Woes

Well, the deal we made was kinda tricky. The shop and myself wanted to avoid the insurance company because we both knew that they would total the car and give me some sort of b.s. amount of money, which I have already been through with my '74 when it got rear-ended. So they offered to rebuild the engine, which was in a lot better shape than I thought it would be, unfortunantely, if you know what I mean, and the paint job. Both my dad and I were hoping to get something out of this where we could start a TIV engine project(I had showed him Raby's site just days before and he was absolutely hooked, I believe his words were, "$#!*, I better start saving up!!"
But we didn't want to take advantage of this shop because they are indeed great people and are sacrificing a lot to do what they are doing for me anyway. I tried to push here and there, saying "Oh, have 'em rebuild a TIV engine for me instead!!" But it wasn't going to fly seeing that, once again, UNFORTUNATELY, there was no serious damge done to my engine, it was all external. I was extremely dissapointed to hear that they didn't even have to remove the engine to repair it. Maybe the word "rebuild" isn't so accurate. So, most of my expectaions, well all of them, fell short. Now I kick myself, I should've let the damn thing burn!!
But on the other hand, I have my dad hooked. Which is good. He has had several Bugs throughout his life, but somehow missed the part where you can make 'em haul ass!
Now, Mr. Vujade, what is your idea? What I really want is to fullfill your past idea of a 1.8 liter, turbocharged TIV, and yes, run those "1.8T" badges as well.
So what do you have in mind!?!?