[Scorpner]

I can see both sides to the debate. I personally like the sound of the older engines and despite the LS performance, part of the fun is the individuality of the different engines of the 60's-70's. Each car had it's own distinctive sound and characteristics and you can sometimes tell what's coming down the road before you can see it. For some reason I've always thought that they were a lot like the aircraft from WWII. If you've ever been to an airshow you know when you hear some of these engines, you can feel it. For me the same goes when that older big block shows up. People stop and take notice of a big block with good exhaust and cam because it commands your attention.

Now I'm going to jump on the other side of the fence. You can't beat the performance of an LS engine. With the computer monitoring and controlling every aspect of the combustion process, it's possible to gain more power as well as economy along with emissions. There's nothing better for someone that wants the best power gains possible, or to take their cars to different events with the relatively higher cost of fuel. After all, a car that sits in the garage is basically useless. In keeping with my somewhat silly analogy, I guess this would be more like a jet fighter. It commands your attention too, but all jets tend to sound pretty much the same.

The one thing people don't always compare is what transmission is lined up with the engine and an LS engine isn't as likely to be mated to a TH350 if ever. lol
It would be interesting to see what an LS engine actually gets for MPG at 70 mph at the same gear ratio compared to a SBC.

That being said I know of a few SBC's with two barrels carbs that got close to 20 mpg back in the day. With that possibility, I wonder how close one of these older engines can come to an LS and keep the original sound? (Ie. Something like a 700r4(or T-56), crank trigger and fuel injection.) I was thinking that for the basic street cruiser it might be the best of both worlds.