I've wondered if a late 1.8/2.0 Mitsubishi DOHC would make a good substitute?
However you would be stuck with the Mitsu automatic or manual trans,
and have to wire up for OBDII and have all the exhaust,trans computer and everything else.
Shame Chrysler/Mitsu didnt offer something else decent back then (80s),but it seems the 2.6 was as "good" as it got,for that application.
Of course the 2.2 is far superior....but thats another story.
With all Mopar's focus on Hemis,big blocks,magnum small blocks as new long block/crate engines,
why no replacement,performance engine for pre OBDII FWD cars?
I'll tell you why,price!
Imagine at least $5K for a new engine....
Nobody would spend that on an old K based car.
MAYBE a mint Daytona/Laser,or original minivan,but NEVER a P car,K,or E.
But really,a Brand new,non balance shaft 2.5 (or even bigger) with bigger cam,high compression pistons,and provision for carb,TBI,MPI with proper SMEC availability would be a boon to vintage FWD(rich) owners.