Crossflow head, dissertation project

Hi All
For my 3rd year at uni I have the opportunity to work on my cabriolet as a dissertation project.

My idea so far is
Crossflow head (can anyone confirm if APK is the head I should be sourcing and is it a direct swap? Is it the most convieneint/ are there other options?)
High rise cam
Design/fabricate a custom equal length inlet manifold
Fit twin 40s/45s

I realise the power gains for the money spent won't be the best but I love my carb and the aim is to make a high revving fun motor (and get good marks)

Another option I've considered is the 2.0 16v block and going with throttle bodies instead? Is it also possible to use this block with carbs and blocked injector holes?

Would fitting a 16v head on a 1.8 8v be possible? Would compression be affected?

Most of my marks would be from finite element analysis, heat and pipe flow calculations of the intake manifold so I would need a suitable project.

As I am inexperienced help, ideas and opinions would be much appreciated! I'm on a year placement at the moment so I have plenty of time to source parts.

What would you guys do?

Cheers, Stuart

My engine code is EX