I've heard some numbers thrown around about HP for the LQ9 but he factory number is 345.... Unless that is one of those built on Thursday with all balanced parts that is the "Perfect Engine!"

Do the LQ9, the LS1 is built around the same design so getting a stout engine to start with is worth the cost you are incuring... Then after you get the engine in you can start adding turbos or blowers and not worry about blowing it apart right away