Think about it this way CJ... Your goal is 400whp... With a straight LS, you will make about 350-370tq at 400whp... Now, on an LS VTEC setup, with 400whp, you will most likely only have 250-270tq.. Pretty significant difference.....

EDIT: Keep in mind, this in the average for both setups being 1.8L... You will get more torque on either, due to the fact you are running a 2L block...