Wow!! What a great thread!! Love the many different opinions on this. I too have owned and driven a Vette. I loved the power and low end torque of the Vette, when it was running right. I also had it in the shop almost monthly for various problems. At 72k miles, I had enough, and sold the car. Still, the LS1 is a great engine for NA power. For me, it isn't right in a Lexus. My SC400 has 120k miles on it now, and it is still silky smooth, with never a problem on the engine itself...not one. Only standard maintenance, and 3k synthetic oil changes and filters. I love the V8 burble that the 1UZ makes, it's almost orgasmic. Now that the TT is being done on it, I cannot wait to experience the increased power, sounds, and revs it will make. And, it will be done for around the $6,000 figure you mentioned including parts, plumbing. labor, and electronics.
So, IMO, you can make power any way you want. Really depends on how, what, and how many dollars to spend.
BTW, I know we have been talking about engines in this thread, but if you consider the fit and finish of the whole product- a Vette vs the SC400, no comparison.At 15 k miles I was replacing all types of interior and engine parts on my Vette. The quality and reliability was horrendous. The car rattled and squeaked unbelieveably so at 15k miles as well. My 93 SC is still quiet, smooth, and extremely reliable. Even the write-ups on the latest C6 Vette still complain about and highlight the lack of quality of the car, except for the drive train- that is a work of art. Lots more than $6 k though...
Ryan