4.6 Replacement

I am starting to think about replacing the stock 4.6 in my 2001 GT. Ideally, I would like to pull it and drop in another motor. To be honest, I have not learned the 4.6 like I know the 302 so I have some rather basic questions I have searched for answers on but not found....

I am really not looking for a monster motor. I really just want something in the 320-350 HP range that is "Bullitt" Proof (Bad pun I know). I am looking to be N/A. I really don't want to be wrenching on a car all the time anymore because I just don't have the time, I want to be able to drive this thing anywhere without fear - something I can drop in and put 100k "normal" miles on (maybe 50k the way I like to drive). I just want to know I have enough HP under the hood to deal with your average moron in the HP sedan next to me.

If I were to buy a crate motor...

Could I just drop in an 01 Cobra 4V motor without changing a lot of things? I mean would the sensors and all that still be in the same locations and connectible? I am thinking the computer may have to be replaced, at least it would have to be reprogrammed or would it?

How about the new 3V motors?

Or failing in that.... Is anyone making a rock solid dependable "performance" 2V motor suitable for a cross country cruise?

I mean if all else fails, I'll just buy a Cobra - I would prefer to keep MY GT though...

Sorry I haven't been present for a few days. Work duties have cut into my computer time (and the very reason I am looking for just a good reliable solution...)

In all honestly, I would like to drop a "crate" long block in. I am thinking of maybe adding a Typhoon Intake at the same time and getting rid of that plastic POS. It really is all about the drivability + reliability factor for me. I'm not looking to take it to the track, I just want to get on it once and a while.

I am going to call 320-350 MOTOR HP and of course I realize it is significantly less at the wheels... 300 RWHP is a lot of car on the street in an "everday" driver - IMHO. I had an 89 320 RWHP 302. The thing just ripped - for the time. Of course I went through 4 clutches, 3 transmissions, 2 rear ends plus the other performance parts related issues (Ignition issues, MASS air meters, TPS, etc.) I want something to drive all summer and not sweat it.

A backward move to old tech motor will not be happening. I want a "straight" swap.

Four six - what are posted 3V heads? I am guessing modded 3Vs... Sounds interesting.

I am beginning to suspect I have a motor issue - but I didn't when I wrote this. I have 62k on it and have taken meticulous care of the engine, but the last 2 days when I start it in the morning i hear knocking for a couple seconds. Don't know what it is yet, but it has an ominous sound. Pistons/Pins? Bearings? It could be an accessory or something else as well but I just don't like the sound. It runs just fine though and it is only the first few seconds on a cold overnight start.