I enjoy the sound of a well tuned and muffled V8 (not the noisy Ford's though that are out today). I like carbureted cars and minimal computers. I even like my old reliable 80 hp Lotus Europa for driving fun. My cars run Weber carbs (except for the GM V6 3.4 - 390 Holly and the Supercharged 3800). Can't beat the sound of a well tuned 4 cylinder with butterfly, slider or barrel injected throttle bodies either. The Corvette and the Impala SS have V8's and they are fun to take out for a cruise also.
And I don't think you need to relocate the gas tank for a V8 (longitudinally or transverse) to fit in a Goblin, unless you want to transfer weight to the front. But, I admit I've been wrong before and will be again.
You folks have a fabulously awesome platform in the Goblin to build on. Do it, make the most of it. It's a great bang for the buck and you will get more attention than you ever wanted. Learn to drive it - it has more potential than you will ever achieve. Set it up right and it will beat a lot of high powered cars (except on the straights on track where horse power wins).
Love the support from your group. DF has a great team, support them so they can continue to improve and develop options in the future.