I meant L03 haha....always get them confused since my brother had the L05 in his camaro which I believe is the truck 350.

I'm sure you should be pretty happy with the LT1. They are strong runners, especially in a 3rd gen! And the LQ4 I'd have to say is by far the best bang for the buck LSx platform available at this time.

 

LT1's have a unique port shape, the short turn radius allows for higher flow velocities before coming turbulent than other sbc heads. They can be ported to 195-205ccs and flow 300 cfm thru a 2.0" valve which is really good. This is why they make such great power. Stock castings ported by Advanced Induction are really the best bang for the buck, no need to go aftermarket. Factory intake ported a little can also support fairly big hp. No other stock sbc intake can do those things. TPI is a joke in comparison.
Reverse cooling is actually a great idea. It allows guys to get away with 12 to 1 compression on the street with LT1's. Very difficult to do that with a sbc.

SBC stuff these days have improved and you can make big power as well but you need aftermarket heads that typically will cost you abit more

 

The concept of reverse cooling is solid. But, the Albanian plumbing job to get it to work in a 3rdgen is off putting for me. Also, aren't the ports/chambers in Vortecs modeled off 374's? Some good flow can also be had on a set of worked 062/906's. And, hey! Off roaders love our TPI's!

 

I've heard the vortecs are sorta based off the iron LT1 heads but the aluminum ones are alittle better design. Not 100% sure tho.