I didn't ignore the small block Chevrolet by any means; there are several nice examples in the book, but as you mentioned, many of the emissions legal parts just aren't available anymore. I never really saw that as much of an issue, since the vast majority of the country doesn't have to do emissions testing (either it isn't required at all, or the cars in question are old enough to have been exempted). I guess perspective on that sort of thing is different in states with tight emissions requirements, but in most parts of the country no emissions testing is required, and of all the G-body customers I have dealt with, I have yet to have one with any concern about emissions. Whether LSx powered, SBC, BBC, or even BOP, none are emissions legal.
As far as the engines themselves go, it is all relative. Build an SBC to make 400hp, and you are going to spend a minimum of $3,000-3500 or so. You can buy a used LS2, with low miles, that will last longer than the SBC for about the same money. The difference, though, comes in all the things you have to change to run it. Mounts, headers, harness mods/replacement, tuning, fuel system, etc., etc. That's where you spend the real money.
As far as the engines themselves go, it is all relative. Build an SBC to make 400hp, and you are going to spend a minimum of $3,000-3500 or so. You can buy a used LS2, with low miles, that will last longer than the SBC for about the same money. The difference, though, comes in all the things you have to change to run it. Mounts, headers, harness mods/replacement, tuning, fuel system, etc., etc. That's where you spend the real money.
