vortec vs ls1 build
If you are doing to have to do an engine swap that may play into the overall cost.
It's easy to get 400 flywheel hp from a vortec 5.7
The most important part of the equation is the vortec heads. Up the compression some and a small cam and you are there.
The same can be said for either engine platform.
IMO if you have a grand to spend on the motor save some more money. Either way you are going to be strapped and will have to cut corners somewhere.
My bosses 2007 or 8 avalanche has 799 heads on its 5.3L too.







