Not to mention that you'll need some of that money to ensure that you're suspension/brakes are up to scratch...
Will you be doing most of the work yourself or through a workshop? In either case you'd want to keep the costs down so keeping it FWD would help, although you'll always be pouring more money in when fitting and engine from one manufacturer to another vehicle of a different manufacturer.
I don't mind the Swift idea, but whats wrong with an AE82/92? If you looked hard enough, you might find a cheap one with a dodgy motor but the good suspension package in it already...
Mind you...ever thought about chucking it in a MightyBoy? hehehe