I need your advice.

Within the next 12 months I will be forced to make a decision.

Build up the ol' TPI engine set up

swap to LT-1

or swap to LS-1.

Is it possible for a built TPI set up to beat an LS-1??

I won't be too worried about emissions, I will do almost all the work my self(brother in law helping), and will have $5k - $7K to work with.

What's a guy to do??

 

I would either build up what you have (miniram, stealthram, super ram conversion) or go with an LT1 swap. It isn't that hard to outperform an LS1 with when working with what you have. You are going to need far more than 5K for an LS1 swap.

EDIT: It ultimately determins what you want to do with the car along with what power levels you want to reach.

 

I'm lookin to give an LS-1 a run for it's money(if not beating them) while maintaining the daily driver capability (if thats possible). I don't mean that I would be racing at every red light because the car won't be abused, more pampered than anything. I catch the attention of alot of stangs, I just want to be able to beat them on as as needed basis .

I thought about the HSR, but I am not certain what combination of components would get me where I want to be.

As far as the LS-1 swap - I was considering buying a 4th gen from auction and transplant engine, tranny, and full dash (maybe seats too) into my ride.