The real scoop on the LS1 is this: They come from the factory with lots of HP, respond VERY well to mods, and you can go very very fast while retaining a very streetable car. The last one is probably the most significant. If your really wanted to make a fast track car...buy a BB chevy, Mopar, or make up a mustang track car. But it wont be the type of car you can drive to New Orleans on the weekend and still get 25 mpg. My car is capable of deep 10s and would have no problem driving long distance and get good gas milage. I drove to Orlando for SLP day last month. I have driven it to work everyday this week and will all next week too. Gets about 16 mpg around town and 24+ highway.

In short...it allows you avg joe to buy a car off the lot, mod it, be fast, and still drive everyday to a higher degree than anything prior.