driveable power is all about area under the curve. Tuners and engine builders know this. Not to mention you are comparing apples to oranges. A stock lsx block will hold 6-8 pounds without needing to modify internals. Compare the power of an lsx block on 6 pounds to any stock 20+ year old "factory turbo" engine and you'll see hands down your already starting off with less. Not to mention the difference in gas mileage, power potential, price per hp, ease of replacement/maitnance parts, the list goes on and on.

Now dont get me wrong i love me a 13bt. I have one, am building another, and will probably continue to do so... but the Chevrolet v8 (even b4 the LS) is nothing to stick your nose up at. Either engine can be built to perform wonderfully in any application, and reliability is not an issue providing the engine is built properly and maintained reasonably. Its all about what you want to do, your ability to do so, and the size of your pockets.

I also aggree that you should do the LS swap yourself, if you chose to go that route. If you do a T2 swap, id suggest you do that yourself too! Im a big fan of "in house work".