[puppster]

I'm not at all familier with the Terminator motor, but I would caution you to assess what you want to do with the car. I think a lot of people build them with hopes of building a really fast car they can go out and run at the strip. only to find out they aren't allowed on the track after a sub 12 second pass. As for the rear end, I agree they are no 9 inch Ford, but I'm told it is pretty much the same thing as a Dana 44. Torque kills rear ends, but if you don't run drag slicks, which you won't, cause you can't drag race it anyhow, you should be fine.
ERA makes, IMO the best looking body in the business. If that's important, the Superformance cars look great also, and they use a Dana rear end (not sure what spec). The only trouble/benefit with Superformance is you don't get to build the car.

Good luck, and enjoy shopping.