Why worry abour coming off harsh? I could see why you'd be disapointed.
I appreciate Foose's work more than like his work. It's fine craftsmanship, but it seems to be lost in the past, in the graphics of the 80's. I like flash, and it's well known that origional isn't that important to me. But I'm still old school, perfering one color on the car and maybe one more color. After that, the car starts to become busy.
As far as engine selection, we don't know the driving force behind the scene. If it's a cheby dominating force, and the engines are pretty much crate engines, they are going to use chevy engines. UNless of course, an owner absolutly insists on a Pontiac power plant. I might consider an alternative to a poncho powerplant, but if I got wind of Foose possibly overhaulin' my car, I would make it be known that a 455 Pontiac plant under the hood is the only option.