I really don't even like the term "ricer:...little derogatory maybe
A motor is just an air pump - who cares how the air pump makes power just that it can make power - big power. I've seen plenty of japanese engines lay waste to V8 engines at the dragstrip from little 1.6 and 1.8s all the way up to 2jz turbo motors.
About 4 years ago I bought a clean little black 1991 Si Civic hatch with a blown motor SOHC 1.6 (108 hp.) for $1100! I bought a stock JDM 1.6 DOHC ZC engine (125 hp). By the time I did the header, stainless exhaust, CAI, and custom chip I was making over 150 hp. Not a lot of power but the car only weighed in at just over 2000 lbs. I also drove this car everyday and got 36 mpg. Now this was no torquemonster by any means BUT it was quick enough to slowly pull away from a stock 87-93 Mustang GT. Imagine what it would do to a heavy mid to late 70s stock Z28?! I had only $3000 into the car including the coil over suspension and we did the work ourselves.
I now drive a 5.0 GT everyday because I miss the torque and sound of a V8 but still wish I hadn't sold the Civic - point is, it was a fun car.
J