I like some of the V8 quad cam engines that have been developed in the last 15 or so years. Most of them look pretty cool if you can junk the plastic covers that hide them.

Thers the Caddy Northstar, the Ford 5.4 engine (ex Australia) the Old Aurora? and then theres the Japanese engines and theres a bunch out of Europe too including offerings from Jaguar, BMW, Mercedes, and Audi.

I probably wouldnt have them in a traditional looking hot rod, but think they would be fine in a street rod.