[Super73]

69GMC910

I get where you are going with the cost. I probably have one of the stronger LS set ups on this board. I have about $8k in to my forged 418ci LS3 set up and I would guess with the new top end combo it will be around the 650 mark NA (Shooting for 525-550rwhp through a loose converter). That is a pump gas (California 91 octane) drinking hyd roller combo. Put that in any 4th gen F-body and it could drive tons of miles for years on end with manageable street manners, not to mention run deep 10's if not high 9's with the right drivetrain combo.

I am not argueeing that big blocks can't be built to go just as fast(er), and might be able to do it with less outgoing cost. The big block has the advantage for sure with the added cubic inches. It really comes down to what a person wants.

With that said, the LS2 out of a TBSS with stock heads, mid 230* duration or bigger cam, headers, right gear/stall should have no problem getting a 3600-3800lb truck in to the low 12's - high 11's. Keep in mind the LS is retaining the stock rotating assembly etc. That is pretty cheap when you add it up.

$400 Custom cam
$250 valve springs
$150 push rods
$300 Injectors
$300-500 Tune

Both need
$?? Converter (wide range here, but needed with the big block too)
$?? Gears (again a wash)
$?? Headers (debateable which would be cheaper)

It's not like the Big Block doesn't have costs associated with it either that the LS motor wouldn't.
Carb
Intake
Heads
Building the shortblock

Not to get in to a pissing match, but let me ask this, how much money would it take to build a bare 454 block in to the high 11's? Or even a stock 454? I honestly don't know what it would cost and take.