B2000 engine rebuild and upgrade

Hi all.
Just purchased my Mazda Cab+ 1988 B2000 8V 5 speed manual. It only had 178Ks, but previous owner cooked the motor. In need of a rebuild. The bottom hasn't been opened yet, but on the surface looks OK, but the head has been destroyed - burnt the ali away from No2 plug hole and undermined the exhaust valve seat.
My aim is to rebuild with the aim of getting a bit more out of the motor using some basic mods - increase compression ratio, cam timing and lift changes, webber carb and extractor, electronic distributor.
Years ago (when I was in my early teens) I owned a M1 Escort with a hi-comp spec motor that went like a rocket, and sounded like a grunter. Don't like the latest drifter drain pipe sounds that are about today, so want to show what a nicely modified motor sounds like.
Anybody with some good ideas or specification are welcome to comment.
I would also like to get rid of some of the plumbing, as I think there are too many hoses that are potential areas that can cause failure. Has anyone removed the oil filter cooler? Never seen one of these on another motor!

On a truck that old I like to leave them mostly stock because even with expensive mods a modern economy car can still embarrass you. I've left all the original components in place because they emissions inspect and test here. My 87 B2000 SE-5 Cab Plus just passed Arizona emissions easily and I just turned 285K last week. I did a re-ring and clutch job almost 10 years ago when a head gasket started leaking but otherwise this thing just keeps on going.

My 88 B2200 SE-5 Cab Plus (Arizona) just turned 210K. I live both in Prescott and Phoenix areas so I don't need to do emissions testing, and mine is stock except for Weber. My re-ring job was at 183K back in 2011.

Twin core radiator installed. Motor nearly ready to lift in.

What's the radiator for? It's not a B radiator.

Radiator is for cooling :) (Silly question) The original standard radiators were a single core and side mounted directly to the front fascia panel.
The new one was bought on line and was supposed to be for the b2000. It has twin core so will provide better cooling.
When I opened the box I found it had different mountings, hence the change to the rubber mounts. The inlet and outlet pipe positions are close enough to the original to not be a problem. I had to offset the radiator from centre to match up the pipe positions on the motor so I can still use the standard hoses.
Possibly looking at mounting an electric fan and shroud to match.

Motor in the hole, a few more bolts to put in, exhaust extractor to bolt up, electrical wiring to connect, and fuel lines, plus refit new radiator.

Motor fired up. A bit of tweeking on the ignition and sounding sweet. Had the flywheel skimmed, and fitted new clutch and pressure plate, but looks like I have an issue with either pedal settings, air in hydraulics, or I stuffed up the clutch install. Been working on electrics at moment so will get back to that issue soon. Any good tips would help.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViiYYnTCuOY