My friend has been thinking about getting a newer gen engine and carbing it because he is familiar with them. Which do you guys think would be better cost and performance wise and either one will be built up? Hope this makes sense and he isn't going to efi at all (even though it's probably best).

the LTx would be easier to carb, as the LSx still requires some ignition tuning (since it doesn't have the standard provisions for a distributor). Now there is a kit or two out there that allows for a distributor, but it costs more than a good pull and tune at the dyno would with the stock efi.

stock for stock, LSx will have more power and many will say thats the better starting point, but remember the costs involved with swapping it in.

I saw some msd control thing for the coils that would work too.

you're correct; its also the same box that is used in the GM swap, but that setup still requires you set up a timing curve for the engine. Not quite as complex as tuning fuel and spark, but still requires hooking up to a computer for tweaking

If you aren't doing EFI, stick with a Gen I.

He said he'll probably get a vortec, but was thinking about the newer ones also.

I agree, if you wanna take full advantage of the Gen III/IV engines then you may as well keep the EFI. If you wanna go carb just stick with a SBC.

It comes down to how much dose he want to spend? But I agree with five7kid.

You don't NEED to use a computer as it does come with timing "pills".

digging through their manual, I see what you're referring to. Suppose that's not a bad idea if you're looking for a "set it and forget it" option, but still kinda limits the beauty of the LSx's tunability.