As far as small front drive engine trannys go there are three I can think of:
The GEO Metro/Sprint/Suzuki Swift in either 3 or 4cyl;
The Nissan/Datsun 310 from the mid 80's;
And the Fiat 128/ Yugo. These cars have a fairly small 1100 or 1300cc 4cyl and there are lots of performance parts as it is also the same motor in the Fiat X1/9.
Also Subaru had a transverse 3cyl in the Justy that is a small motor. If you have enough room ahead of the axle line a Subaru flat 4 is a compact front drive engine as well.